The Science of Biology

Science as Inquiry How is biology defined? The scientific study of life. Inquiry is at the heart of science. Scientific inquiry also includes methods of investigation to answer questions

Observation and Data How is observation defined? Observation is the use of the senses such as vision or hearing to gather information about structures or processes

What is the definition of data? Recorded observations

What is quantitative data? Observations recorded as measurements. Involves numbers. Example: a growth chart What is qualitative data? The use of description. Descriptive words. Example: Describing the actions of chimpanzees

What is Discovery Science? How is discovery science defined? Discovery science describes natural structures or processes as accurately as possible through careful observation and data collection Example: Collecting and identifying organisms in a river

Inferences in Science How is inference defined? An inference is a logical conclusion based on observations Example: Mold kills nearby bacteria How is infer defined? To make a logical conclusion based on an observation.

Why are inferences important in science? They help refine general questions into specific questions that can be explored further.

How is skeptical defined? The quality of being inclined to doubt. Scientists should be skeptical of inferences that stretch beyond data.

Generalizations in Discovery Science Some of the biggest breakthroughs in discovery science come when scientists put together many specific observations to reach a general conclusion, or generalization.