Chapter 1: Introduction to Biology---Measurement, Graphing, and Scientific Method Types of Research Two main types Quantitative Uses controlled experiments Results are numerical data Descriptive Relies on observations of situations out of scientist’s control Results are descriptions of observations Often an important tool for wildlife studies

Quantitative Research Data are analyzed by comparing the numerical values Tables Graphs Measurements are made using the International System of Measurement (SI) Based upon the metric system Understandable to scientists around the world

Effects of Fertilizer on Plant Height Tables All tables must include the following Title Clearly labeled columns and rows Labeled units Data should show relationship between independent and dependent variable Effects of Fertilizer on Plant Height Amount of Plant Fertilizer (g) Independent Height of Plant (cm) Dependent 2 12 6 20 10 4

Graphs All graphs must include the following Title A label for each axis Labeled units Legend Data properly depicted * Independent on x-axis * Dependant on y-axis y-axis x-axis

Graphs What type of graph should I use? Line For continuous quantitative data Height of plant over time Stock market prices over time Line graph relationships Direct variation – one variable increases as the other increases (or decreases as the other decreases) Inverse variation – one variable decreases as the other increases

Graphs Bar Pie For non-continuous data (usually in categories) Number of people who watch each TV show surveyed Pie For data that are parts of a whole Percentage of those polled that chose each TV show

International System of Measurement (SI) Note descriptions on page 1058-1059 of your book Basic units of measurement Length – meter (m) Tool – ruler or meter stick Volume – liter (L) Tool – graduated cylinder Mass – gram (g) Tool – triple-beam balance Time – second (s) Tool - stopwatch Temperature [We will most often use Celsius (°C)] Tool - thermometer

Units of Measurement Metric system – based on 10 kilo (k) – kilometers (km) 1000 meters hecto (h) – hectometers (hm) 100 meters deca (da) – decameters (dam) 10 meters Basic unit (m, L, g) – meter (m) 1 meter deci (d) – decimeter (dm) 0.1 meter centi (c) – centimeter (cm) 0.01 meter milli (m) – millimeter (mm) 0.001 meter

Converting one metric unit to another k h da Basic unit d c m (m, L, g) To convert from one unit to another, move the decimal same direction and number of places the units are from each other 12 kilometers is ?? centimeters centimeters are 5 places to the right 1,200,000 cm 134 decigrams is ?? hectograms hectograms are 3 places to the left 0.134 hg

Science and Society Ethics – moral principles and values held by humans What role do ethics play in scientific research and results? Can science answer all questions? Technology – application of scientific research to address society’s needs Can technology solve all problems?

Scientific Investigation vs Technological Design Scientific Investigation – process followed to determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variable described by the hypothesis Goal is to answer a question, perhaps advance the knowledge of science Did using this new fuel help lower pollution? Technological Design – process followed to design products or processes to meet specific needs Goal is to create a specific outcome, perhaps advance the standard of living in societies We have created a lower pollution emitting car

Scientific Investigation vs Technological Design Identifies a problem – asks a question Identifies a problem or need Researches related information Designs an investigation or experiment Designs a process or a product Conducts the investigation or experiment – repeated trials Implements the design or the process – repeated testing Analyzes the results Evaluates the conclusion – did the results refute or verify the hypothesis Evaluates the process or product – did it meet the criteria Communicates the findings Communicates the product or process