The most surprising bit of information I learned during the Prediction X interview with Professor Stuart Firestein is that experiments are conducted at different rates in different fields of scientific study. I found it intriguing that Professor Firestein explained that experiments in Chemistry and Biology are often a lot shorter in duration than experiments in astronomy, for example. This, therefore, influences how different fields of science understand and prepare for the future. Connecting back to the course theme of prediction, astronomers may have to think through more long-term predictions as opposed to short-term predictions that might be more prevalent in chemistry and biology. Although I previously understood that different fields of science would have different types of experiments, I did not know that the duration of experiments could vary so drastically.
Another section I found interesting in the interview with Professor Firestein is that science combines curiosity from childhood with skepticism from adulthood. In this way, science combines knowledge from two very different segments of life.
To watch the Prediction X interview with Professor Stuart Firestein, please see the link here!
Dear Emily,
Thanks for the insightful comment! I also think that it is very interesting how the length of experiments for different scientific fields is so varied. When I now think about this, it seems quite obvious; however, I have never analyzed this concept below the surface and have always assumed that the majority of experiments take roughly the same amount of time. Furthermore, I really liked how you linked back the length of experiments to the course, as scientists in different field have to be more/less wary of predictions based on their respective discipline.