Scientific Method – Part 2 Theory vs. Law Fact vs. Inference Types of Graphs Reliable Sources

Theory vs. Law Theories DO NOT become laws; nor DO laws become theories!! Theory: are well supported explanations versus Law: are well supported descriptions

Facts about theories vs laws Theories DO NOT become laws, theories EXPLAIN laws. Not all scientific laws have accompanying explanatory theories.

Fact versus Inferences is a statement that can be proven true (or false) with some objective standard Inference is a statement that appears to be true based on previous experiences. The greater the body of experience, the more an inference appears to be a fact.

Fact An Observation a thing that has been done something shown to exist something known to have existed

Inference Educated guess as to what happened based on facts (observations) Conclusion deduction judgment

Inferences and Bias Inferences can create an opinion or bias explanations of something. Bias – particular preference or point of view that is personal, rather than scientific. What are some examples of bias? Write down 2-3 examples of bias in your notes.

Different types of Graphic Representations Drawings - these can be used to easily represent a concept that is difficult to explain in words. Line Graphs - these can be used to show a change of one quantity over time Bar Graphs - these can be used to show the relationship among different categories of variables Circle Graphs - these can be used to show the parts of a whole

Bar Graph Line Graph Circle Graph Different types of Graphic Representations Bar Graph Line Graph Circle Graph

Reliable Sources Top-Level Domain Type of Site Reliability .edu Educational institution such as college or university. Community colleges, high schools, private schools, and even elementary schools may also use .edu names. High for most colleges or universities. Lower for community colleges, high schools, etc. Personal pages hosted on these sites may be less reliable. .gov Government Agency Generally reliable. Scientific agencies are the most reliable. The pages of individuals working in government may be less reliable. .org Organization Varies. Sites sponsored by well-known, unbiased organizations are usually reliable. The sites of smaller groups, or those with political agendas, are less reliable. .com Commercial Generally low