How Scientists Work How do scientists test hypotheses? How does a scientific theory develop?
Objectives SPI 3210 Inq.1 Select a description or scenario that reevaluates and/or extends a scientific finding. SPI 3210 Inq.2 Analyze the components of a properly designed scientific investigation. SPI 3210 Inq.5 Defend a conclusion based on scientific evidence.
Chimpanzees and Humans You and your partner, determine your roles
Inquiry Inquiry is the search for information and explanation Scientists begin an inquiry investigation with a question There are two main types of scientific inquiry: discovery science and hypothesis-based science Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings 4
Discovery Science Discovery science describes natural structures and processes This approach is based on observation and the analysis of data Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings 5
Types of Data Data are recorded observations or items of information Data fall into two categories Qualitative, or descriptions rather than measurements Quantitative, or recorded measurements, which are sometimes organized into tables and graphs Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings 6
Fig. 1-23 Figure 1.23 Jane Goodall collecting qualitative data on chimpanzee behavior 7
Induction in Discovery Science Inductive reasoning draws conclusions through the logical process of induction Repeat specific observations can lead to important generalizations For example, “the sun always rises in the east” Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings 8
Deduction: The “If…Then” Logic of Hypothesis Based Science Deductive reasoning uses general premises to make specific predictions For example, if organisms are made of cells (premise 1), and humans are organisms (premise 2), then humans are composed of cells (deductive prediction) Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings 9
Partner time Humans: describe the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning to your partner Chimpanzees: Review the difference between quantitative and qualitative data
Objectives SPI 3210 Inq.1 Select a description or scenario that reevaluates and/or extends a scientific finding. SPI 3210 Inq.2 Analyze the components of a properly designed scientific investigation. SPI 3210 Inq.5 Defend a conclusion based on scientific evidence.
A Closer Look at Hypotheses in Scientific Inquiry A hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable Hypothesis-based science often makes use of two or more alternative hypotheses Failure to falsify a hypothesis does not prove that hypothesis For example, you replace your flashlight bulb, and it now works; this supports the hypothesis that your bulb was burnt out, but does not prove it (perhaps the first bulb was inserted incorrectly) Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings 12
The Myth of the Scientific Method The scientific method is an idealized process of inquiry Hypothesis-based science is based on the “textbook” scientific method but rarely follows all the ordered steps Discovery science has made important contributions with very little dependence on the so-called scientific method Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings 13
Scientific Method Stating the Problem How do new living things, or organisms, come into being? Forming a Hypothesis Francesco Redi questioned the theory of spontaneous generation flies produce maggots
Scientific Method Setting Up a Controlled Experiment Recording and Analyzing Results Drawing a Conclusion Publishing and Repeating Investigations
Objectives SPI 3210 Inq.1 Select a description or scenario that reevaluates and/or extends a scientific finding. SPI 3210 Inq.2 Analyze the components of a properly designed scientific investigation. SPI 3210 Inq.5 Defend a conclusion based on scientific evidence.
Partner time Humans: Tell your partner the two things that make a valid hypothesis Chimpanzees: Walk through the steps of the scientific method Chimps and humans together: discuss how we sometimes oversimplify the scientific method
Objectives SPI 3210 Inq.1 Select a description or scenario that reevaluates and/or extends a scientific finding. SPI 3210 Inq.2 Analyze the components of a properly designed scientific investigation. SPI 3210 Inq.5 Defend a conclusion based on scientific evidence.
Setting Up a Controlled Experiment Variables - factors in an experiment that can change equipment used, type of material, amount of material, temperature, light, and time Only one variable tested at a time All other variables are kept unchanged, or controlled. controlled experiment.
Types of variables Independent variable Manipulated variable What you change Dependent variable Responding variable Changes in response to manipulated variable What you measure
Example experiment Determining the source of life
Publishing and Repeating Investigations Needham’s Test of Redi’s Findings mid-1700s, John Needham, an English scientist attacked Redi’s work claimed spontaneous generation could occur under right conditions heated gravy
Publishing and Repeating Investigations Spallanzani’s Test of Redi’s Findings Lazzaro Spallanzani, Italian Broth had not been boiled long enough Boiled a container of broth in a water bath for 45 minutes Image from: http://www.chemheritage.org/EducationalServices/pharm/antibiot/readings/spogen.htm
Publishing and Repeating Investigations Pasteur’s Test of Spontaneous Generation In 1864, French scientist, Louis Pasteur designed a flask with long curved neck showed all living things come from other living things Image from: http://www.chemheritage.org/EducationalServices/pharm/antibiot/readings/spogen.htm
Verifiable What does this word mean? How does it relate to science??
How a Theory Develops Hypothesis may become so well supported scientists consider it a theory. Theories enable scientists to make accurate predictions about new situations As new evidence is uncovered, a theory may be revised or replaced by a more useful explanation
Inferences Scientists often draw inferences from data gathered during experiments. Inference- conclusion made on the basis of facts and previous knowledge rather than on direct observations. Unlike a hypothesis, an inference is not directly testable.
Objectives SPI 3210 Inq.1 Select a description or scenario that reevaluates and/or extends a scientific finding. SPI 3210 Inq.2 Analyze the components of a properly designed scientific investigation. SPI 3210 Inq.5 Defend a conclusion based on scientific evidence.
Precision and Accuracy Describes the unit you used to measure The smaller the unit of measurement, the more precise the measurement Accuracy How close the measurement is to the actual value How different your number is from the accepted value
Qualitative vs. quantitative Descriptive data Quantitative Measurement data