Question

Decide in each case whether the claim could be evaluated scientifically or whether it falls into the realm of nonscience. Explain clearly; not all of these have definitive answers, so your explanation is more important than your chosen answer. My house is haunted by ghosts who make the creaking noises hear each night.

Short answer

The claim about ghosts making noises is nonscientific.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Nature of the Claim

The claim "My house is haunted by ghosts who make the creaking noises heard each night" suggests a supernatural explanation for an observed phenomenon. Determine if the claim involves testable hypotheses that can be evaluated using scientific methods.

Evaluate Testability

Consider if the claim about ghosts and creaking noises can be tested using scientific measures. Scientific claims must be observable, measurable, and capable of being repeated under controlled conditions. Ghosts, as supernatural entities, are not currently verifiable using scientific methods.

Distinguish as Science or Nonscience

Since the claim involves ghosts, which lack empirical evidence and cannot be tested through scientific methods, it falls into the realm of nonscientific claims. While the noises may have a scientific explanation (like settling wood or external factors), attributing them to ghosts cannot be scientifically evaluated.

Explanation of Conclusion

Explain that while the noises can be heard and potentially explained through scientific investigation of structural or environmental factors, the attribution of these noises to ghosts is a nonscientific claim. The key issue is the inability to apply scientific methodology to studying ghosts.

Key concepts

Testable Hypothesis

A testable hypothesis is an essential part of the scientific method. It is a statement that can be supported or refuted through observation and experimentation. For a hypothesis to be considered testable, it must fulfill certain criteria. First, it should be clear and precise. The terms used must be agreed upon and understood similarly by all. Second, it should be possible to design an experiment or observation that can measure the hypothesis objectively.
If we consider the claim, "My house is haunted by ghosts," creating a testable hypothesis becomes difficult. This is because the concept of ghosts lacks a universally accepted scientific definition. Therefore, without objective criteria to observe or measure ghosts, the hypothesis that "ghosts make creaking noises" cannot be scientifically tested. Instead, a better hypothesis might be: "The house makes creaking noises due to temperature changes causing wood to expand and contract." This hypothesis can be tested using measurements of temperature and wood expansion.

Empirical Evidence

Empirical evidence refers to information acquired by observation or experimentation. This type of evidence is essential to scientific inquiry, providing the factual basis upon which hypotheses can be evaluated. For evidence to be considered empirical, it must be both observable and measurable.
In the context of our original exercise about ghosts causing noises, we encounter a problem: there is no empirical evidence to prove or disprove the existence of ghosts. Supernatural phenomena, by their nature, are often beyond what can be measured or observed in a way that meets the criteria for scientific evidence. Without empirical evidence, claims about ghosts remain in the realm of personal belief or anecdote, rather than scientific fact. On the other hand, when you observe temperature variations affecting building materials, the evidence is empirical and can be used to explain the creaking noises scientifically.

Supernatural

The supernatural refers to events or entities that are beyond natural laws and scientific understanding. These include concepts such as ghosts, spirits, or otherworldly beings. Because they transcend empirical verification, supernatural explanations are often not suitable for scientific investigation.
In our claim about ghosts making noises, the idea of "ghosts" as the cause is considered supernatural. This is because there is no scientific method or instrument capable of capturing or proving the existence of ghosts. The supernatural aspect makes it difficult for such claims to be tested or confirmed through structured scientific methods. Instead of relying on supernatural explanations, scientific investigation often seeks natural causes, like drafts or structural shifts, to explain unusual occurrences.

Scientific Investigation

Scientific investigation is a systematic process of formulating hypotheses, collecting data through observation and experimentation, and analyzing this data to draw conclusions. It relies heavily on measurable and observable data to test claims and involves repeatable experiments.
When evaluating the claim of ghost-induced noises, scientific investigation focuses on eliminating supernatural elements by seeking natural explanations. For example, inspectors might examine the home for structural issues, such as loose floorboards or changes in temperature and humidity that affect construction materials. These investigations involve collecting data about the environment and conditions where the noise occurs. By understanding and measuring these factors, a scientific investigation can help determine plausible, natural reasons behind the phenomena, adhering to the scientific method and avoiding supernatural explanations.