Hypothesizing Exercise 6: rededication to mission
©2003 Edward G. Rozycki
LINKS TO TABLE OF
HYPOTHESIZING
EXERCISES
President James Avery at the opening Fall convocation of Hawthorne University, held under the Ancient Beech in the courtyard of ivy-covered Seminary Hall, declares that the University is "rededicating itself to the mission of its founders."
STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS
A. Formulate several hypotheses as to why Dr. Avery made the statement about the University "rededicating itself to the mission of its founders." Try to formulate competing hypotheses, if possible.
B. Can you combine two or more hypotheses within a more powerful hypothesis?
C. For each hypothesis determine what information you would need to disconfirm its competitors.
D. You will be given additional information. Use it to rule out some of the hypothetical alternatives.
Additional Information (to be supplied by Instructor)
A. The average G.P.A. is 2.27 on a 4 point scale.
B. Enrollment has remained stable but endowments have gone up drastically as benefactor Ezekial Hawthorne VI dies leaving no heirs except the University.
C. Need for financial help for students has increased.
D. Members of the faculty complain about grade inflation.
E. The convocation marks the start of a fund-raiser by the University.
F. Suggested open admissions policies are opposed by alumni organizations.
Additional Questions (to be answered after all information is in)
1. There is a move among younger faculty to stop having student evaluations used toward the awarding of tenure. Will Dr. Avery support this proposed change?
2. Is there much pressure felt by administration to institute a department of multicultural studies?
3. Is "excellence" a much discussed theme at Hawthorne?
4. What do you think the general attitude is at Hawthorne about pursuing government research grants?
5. Is Hawthorne a public or a private university?