Re: [Phys-l] Physics job opening in Texas for 2008-09

[Jack Uretsky <jlu@hep.anl.gov>]

Hi all-
	John Clement writes (in part):
> The studies have shown that a liking of science goes down with each science
> course taken.  One thing that is known is that students are humans are 
> more enthusiastic about something if they have success in doing it, and 
> are usually less enthusiastic if they just beat their head against the 
<wall. 
____________________________________
	I contend that it is a logical impossiblity for any set of studies 
to establish sucdh a general principle.  The interpretation of the studies 
referred to must take into account the time, place and manner of each 
study.  In experimental science this is part of the determination of the 
"systematic uncertainty" of the study.
	And if, as sometimes happens, it is claimed that there is no 
variation among the "studies", than that is as much a defect as excessive 
variation that hides the possibility of a clear conclusion.  Measuring 
intstruments must show a necessary minimum of fluctuation.
	Also, before relying on conclusions from such "studies", the 
proponent of the conclusions is expected, in most fields of science, to 
make a diligent search for counterexamples to those conclusions.  See, 
e.g., Feynman's discussion of premonitions in the book (I think this is 
the one) "The Pleasure of Finding Things Out".
				Regards,
					Jacdk

--
"Trust me.  I have a lot of experience at this."
		General Custer's unremembered message to his men,
		just before leading them into the Little Big Horn Valley