The Case of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker: The Scientific Process and How it Relates to Everyday Life

by: Kathrin Stanger-Hall, Jennifer Merriam, and Ruth Ann Greuling

In this case study, based on the reported rediscovery of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in April 2005, students examine a real-world example of the scientific process and explore the practical implications of their conclusions. The case tells the story of Brad Murky, a student and research assistant who must decide whether the available evidence is sufficient for him to accept the bird’s existence. In a series of e-mails, Brad and his sister debate the evidence, and Brad is left to wonder whether the press conference called to announce the rediscovery of the bird has been scheduled in haste.

Details

Type Journal ArticlePub Date 9/1/2007Stock # jcst07_037_01_12Volume 037Issue 01

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