Physics 3333 / CFB 3333 2014 Extra Credit #1


What do you get for completing this extra assignment?

You will be awarded 1 bonus class attendance credit. This will help you if you have too many unexcused absences from class, and if you have excellent attendance it will boost your attendance score at the end of the semester.

What do you have to do to earn this extra credit?

  1. Poll 5 of your friends with the following questions and collect the answers (anonymously):
    • Question 1: When you hear the phrase "scientific theory," which of these statements comes to mind? (choose the one that best represents your thinking)
      1. This is a scientist's guess or opinion
      2. There is some evidence for this, but it is not yet reliable.
      3. This is well-established and reliable, but subject to further testing.
      4. This is so well-established as to be absolute truth.
      5. I am not sure.
    • Question 2: Have you ever taken a class in the scientific method, at SMU or elsewhere?
    • Question 3: Has anyone else asked you these survey questions?

    Make sure you get 5 responses. In case you have non-responsive friends, you might have to poll more than 5 people. The data will help us in the future.

  2. Write up the answers to each of the questions using your favorite word processor or document-making software. We want you to use EXACTLY the software you would normally use to write a paper for this class. This is crucial.
  3. Submit your extra credit results using this website: http://www.physics.smu.edu/pseudo/submit/. Please follow the instructions on the website. The assignment is "EC1".
  4. If you have ANY problems using the web page to submit the assignment, DO NOT PANIC! It's very important that you tell us what problem(s) you have. To do this, please cut-and-paste the error message(s) you get and email them to us. Attach to that email your assignment, so we can process it and give you credit.

When is this due?

The assignment will be counted only if it is received before 11am on Monday, Jan. 27, 2014.