1 The Methods of Biology Chapter 1.2
Jan 12, 2016
Chapter 1 The Science of Life
1The Methods of Biology Chapter 1.2
12Scientific Methods
23steps scientists use in which a problem is identified, relevant data are gathered, a hypothesis is formulated and tested
scientific methods
4scientific methods
5An old way to remember
Can you make upyour own??56Induction is usually described as moving from the specific to the general, while deduction begins with the general and ends with the specific (Example below)
Adam: I've noticed previously that every time I kick a ball up, it comes back down, so I guess this next time when I kick it up, it will come back down, too. Rick: That's Newton's Law. Everything that goes up must come down. And so, if you kick the ball up, it must come down.
Scientists most commonly use inductive reasoningInductive vs Deductive reasoning
7ObservationEmploying your five senses to perceive objects or events
78Asking a QuestionBased on observations; one or more questions are generated
89Forming a HypothesisA statement is testable if evidence can be collected that either does or doesnt support itIt can never be proven beyond doubtOften must be refined and revised or discarded
910The Hypothesis ---An explanation for a question or problem than can be formally tested. Is a statement made in advance that states the results that will be obtained from testing the hypothesisOften written in the form of an if-then statement10Copyright Cmassengale11ExperimentingTesting a hypothesis or prediction is done with an experiment.By gathering data under controlled conditions conducting a controlled experimentBased on a comparison of a control group with an experimental group
1112procedure that tests a hypothesis by collecting information under controlled conditions
experiment
13in an experiment; the standard in which all of the conditions are kept the same.
control
14in an experiment; the condition that is changed because it affects the outcome of the experiment
independent variable
15in an experiment; the condition that results from changes in the independent variable
dependent variable
Both groups are identical except for one factor (independent variable)Observations and measurements are taken for a particular factor (dependent variable) in both groupsDriven by or results from independent variable16
16MeasuringInvolves quantitative data that can be measured in numbers &/or qualitative data information that isnt numbersSamplingTechnique of using a sample a small part to represent the entire population171718information obtained from experiments
data
19Organizing DataInvolves placing observations and measurement (data) in orderGraphs, charts, tables, or maps
1920Experiments that result in counts or measurements numerical data
quantitative research
21experiments that result in observational data with written descriptions (how something behaves)
descriptive research
22Analyzing DataCollected and organized data must be analyzedProcess of determining whether data are reliable or whether they support or do not support a hypothesis or prediction
2223ConclusionConclusions are made on the basis of facts, not observationsOften drawn from data gathered from a study or experimentShould support the hypothesisShould be re-testable2324CommunicationScientists must share the results of their studies with other scientists (peers)Publish findings in journalsPresent their findings at scientific meetingsScientists must be unbiasedShould not tamper with their dataOnly publish & report tested & proven ideas
24CommunicationSharing of information is essential to scientific processSubject to examination and verification by other scientistsAllows scientists to build on the work of others252526TheoriesA theory may be formed after many related hypotheses have been tested and supported with experimental evidenceA broad and comprehensive statement of what is thought to be trueSupported by considerable evidenceTies together related hypotheses
2627A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena
theory
LawsA Statement of fact that concisely explains an action or group of actionse.g. Law of GravityAccepted to be trueUniversalMay be expressed as a math equatione.g. E=mc22829Pure science is scientific research mainly for the sake of knowledge.
The value of this knowledge and how it may be used is decided upon by societys social, ethical, and moral concerns.
Technology is the practical application of this research to improve human life, but can cause other different problems.
Pure Science
Scientific Method ReviewQuestion (ask a question)How, What, When, Who, Which, Why, or Where?Hypothesis (form a hypothesis)An explanation for your question that can be formally testedExperiment (perform an experiment)Control Group/Independent and Dependent VariablesCollect DataMake ObservationsRepeat your experimentAnalyze the DataConclusion (draw a conclusion)Based on facts (your data)Accepting or Rejecting your hypothesisPublish ResultsIn a report, a scientific journal, etc.30Quickly Have Every Assignment Corrected Please!Scientific Method Review31Quickly Have Every Assignment Corrected Please!
32the moral principles and values held by humans
ethics
33a symbol that warns you about a danger that may exist
safety symbol
MEASUREMENTS34
MeasurementsWe will be using SI units or metric system when possible --- the WHOLE world uses it except us (USA)
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