What is Science? Part II

After the assigned reading and reviewing the slides, you should be able to discuss: What is applied vs. basic research and what is the controversy? Compare experimental, non-experimental & theoretical research. Is all research hypothesis-driven? Why do you think different research venues have different goals/products? How do the different scientific explanations differ? What are components of an “If… then…” hypothesis statement?

REVIEW THE SLIDES: Applied vs. basic research Come prepared to discuss in your group the questions at the end of the set of slides on Applied vs. Basic Research

Applied vs. Basic Research What is applied and basic research? At the extremes: Applied: uses existing info to develop techniques or prdts Basic: solely for gaining new info Note: both are based on previous info

Applied vs. Basic Research “It has been said that scientific research of a basic nature is concerned primarily with description and explanation, while applied research focuses on prediction and control.” Valiela “Basic research (sometimes called pure science) is driven by the curiosity of the scientist, who simply wants to learn more about a particular phenomenon. Applied research, on the other hand, is done to solve a specific problem and often leads to new or improved technology, which is the practical application of scientific knowledge.” Lee

Applied vs. Basic Research “Basic and applied research are intertwined… Whole scientific disciplines are organized around applied research [e.g. engineering, agronomy…]” Lee

Applied vs. Basic Research “There is still a remnant prejudice… that the basic aspects are more demanding, or somehow more meritorious… Such attitudes ignore the history of science…Distinctions between basic and applied science are therefore more blurred and more damaging than we might think. Creative applied science dovetails with, and stimulates basic science, since it both applies general principles and provides new questions and tests of basic principles. Moreover, if science is to maintain the public support essential for sustaining institutions that support science … it needs to make evident how it helps solve important applied problems.” Valiela

Applied vs. Basic Research “Politicians and others sometimes suggest that all of our scientific research should be directed at solving important problems rather than satisfying scientific curiosity. Most scientists disagree… The problem is that no one can predict which research areas will lead to useful applications…. Early in the nineteenth century, for example, few people could see any practical use for electricity” Lee

Applied vs. Basic Research Questions Compare and contrast applied and basic research? Which is based on previous knowledge? List benefits of each approach to research. 10’

Scientific research Applied vs. Basic is one way to categorize different approaches to research. The next two slides give other ways to classify research. Look over them and we will discuss them in class.

Different Venues Academia Government Industry Some differences include: goals, products, justification, funding

Other categories of research… Experimental: researcher manipulates a system often changing an independent variable and measuring the resulting variation in the dependent variable. Often hypothesis-driven. Non-experimental: typically involves description and observation (e.g. surveys), may study naturally occurring variation w/o intervention by researcher, often important when a field is new Theoretical: looks at mathematical relationships that may not relate to real world. Along with experimentation can be used to make mathematical models that predict changes in biological systems. 13’ Should all research have a hypothesis it is testing?

Your topics basic or applied, as long as gaining new info experimental or hypothesis-driven main emphasis not technique or product development 13’

Brainstorm before coming to class and then share in group What are characteristics of “Good Science”? 16’

Discuss in groups What kind of science? Compare notes. “Health effects…” Discuss the question posed. Make a list of characteristics of good science. Spend ~ 3 minutes per topic 26’

Review in class Highlights of: What kind of science? Anfinson Cell phones “I won’t teach evolution” 35’ (~2’ each)

Science & Public Opinion Does science influence public opinion? What can change their mind? 37-38’

Scientists explain the world with… Hypotheses Models Theories Laws Read the following descriptions of these explanations; compare and contrast them.

Hypothesis or theory? Colloquial definition of a theory: “Theory refers to an untested speculation or guess, analogous to a hypothesis in scientific usage…. A theory cannot be disproved by a single experiment, as can a hypothesis.” Ambrose et al

Hypothesis tentative explanation for observations based on previous knowledge Theory widely accepted explanation supported by experiments; applies to a variety of situations; relates facts once thought to be unrelated, used to predict new hypotheses Law universally accepted; all encompassing; withstands all tests to disprove it

Hypotheses must be testable Concepts must be adequately defined The explanation must relate to natural forces When written as an “if… then” statement, the if is the explanation followed by the prediction which defines an experiment

What do you think of the mechanics hypothesis? 42’

Theories to be useful… Consistent & clearly defined Unifying Able to make predictions Are not static but are not thrown out by single experiment

BIOLOGICAL THEORIES Name Explanation Cell All living things are composed of cells Evolution All living things have changed (and continue to change) as the environment around them has changed Biogenesis   Life comes from life Gene theory Each form of life has info in the form of DNA that controls their form & function

Models/Paradigms tentative ways to organize information to formulate hypotheses Models can also be: physical objects animal/cell systems mathematical/computer simulations

* 45’

Scientific & Biological Research Characterized by its contribution of new information to the field (e.g. biological research) Investigates the natural world Scientific knowledge changes as new information is collected Proof is not possible in biology (too many possible explanations) Review the list of characteristics of good science which are goals of the scientific community, but like all human endeavors, are not reached in every instance… (a good segue into the next topic) 48’

Questions?