Homework #15 is associated with the final paper and is due at the same time as the final paper. It will be assessed in terms of the initial observation and theories, the evaluation of merit, and the abduction evaluation chart. Since it covers these three areas it will be worth a total of 30 homework points.
Consider the chapter in Ehrlich titled "Sun Exposure is Beneficial." As stated in the instructions for the final paper, it seems clear that any argument for the benefit of sun exposure revolves around the decreased risk of death by coronary heart disease (CHD) as a function of exposure to the sun. The problem is that there are two other theories that could account for decreased risk of death by CHD: diet and temperature.
To focus this assignment, use the initial observation that decreased CHD death rates in various countries and regions seem to be strongly correlated with latitude and then use abduction to determine which of the three theories (sun exposure, diet, and temperature) best explains this observation.
The assignment is to hand in a full abduction outline of the abduction process for the topic of the Final Paper like I have provided on the website and with previously graded Homework. Be sure to include all of the parts of the full abduction outline: The initial observation, the theories and how each theory could explain the initial observation, the tables for scientific merit for each theory (including page numbers), a list of data (with page numbers), the abduction evaluation chart, and a result explained by the answers in the evaluation chart. One full example from the web pages is the dinosaur extinction example found under "Abduction", "Advanced Examples."
In summary, your homework should include the initial observation, a list of theories and a brief mention as to how they might explain the initial observation, merit evaluation tables/paragraphs (including page numbers), a list of data (with page numbers), an abduction evaluation chart, and a short statement of the result. Use the Email Form link at the top of the page (or in the menu) to send in the homework.