The Nature of Scientific Inquiry The Scientific Method

Vocabulary Terms Inquiry Synthesize Observation Inference Scientific Method

Objectives: Move from Inductive Reasoning to Deductive Reasoning

Types of Scientific Inquiry Inductive Reasoning Formulate a conclusion based upon a set of specific observations Deductive Reasoning Specific predictions are made by applying general scientific principles

Inductive reasoning: an example Observation #1: More bees on daisies than petunias Observation # 2: More nectar production in daisies than petunias Now what? Formulate a conclusion Test it!

Deductive Reasoning: an example Principle #1: Bees will be attracted to high nectar plants versus low nectar plants Principle #2: Daisies synthesize more nectar than petunias Prediction Statement: Therefore: More bees will be attracted to daisies than petunias Test it!

Observations data that are descriptions of qualities such as shape, color, taste, feel, etc… acquired by using your senses Two Types: Objective observation Subjective observation

2 Types of Observations Objective Subjective an observation based on fact fact – a piece of information that can be strictly defined and proved true. Subjective an observation based on opinion opinion – a statement that expresses a belief, value, or feeling

Objective or Subjective? Science looks like fun today! Subjective Kanye West’s songs sound good! The counter-tops in class are black! Objective School French fries taste good! The summer was too short! There are sixty seconds in a minute!

Objective or Subjective? Which type of observations should be used in science? Objective observations should be used in science because they are based on facts and the basis of science is to identify the facts!

Inference an explanation that tries to make sense of your observations influenced by your experiences/prior knowledge these explanations may not be true Example Observation: John was breathing heavily as he walked into the classroom. Possible Inferences: He ran to class because he was going to be late He just played basketball in gym

What would you infer? Everyone is closing their book because… Many students buy French fries because… Students arrived to class sweaty because… 4. All of the students are laughing because…

The Scientific Method Observe the system Collect Information/Research Formulate a hypothesis Test the hypothesis (Experiment) Accept or reject the hypothesis (Analysis of Data) Refine your hypothesis Publish your results (Conclusions) Hypothesis rejected

Steps to Solving a Problem (The Scientific Method) Identify the Problem State the problem to be solved or the question to be answered. Collect Information/Research Obtain facts and ideas from books, journals, internet, etc. that provide insight regarding your problem/question. Cite these resources. Form a Hypothesis Based on the information/research you collect, propose a solution or “best guess” that will help guide your experimentation and attempt to answer the proposed problem/question. Test Your Hypothesis – “Experiment” Describe, design, and conduct an experiment that will give you information or data that supports (or not) your hypothesis. Accept or Reject Your Hypothesis – “Analysis” Determine whether your data/results from the experiment supports (or not) your hypothesis; if not, it may be necessary to review your information/research and revise your hypothesis. Report Your Results – “Conclusion” Formulate a conclusion that answers the original question from step one and share the results with the scientific community (or the community at large).

Hypothesis a working explanation or trial answer to a problem an “educated guess” can be written in the form of an “If..., then..., because...” statement is not necessarily proven correct just because data/results from one experiment supports it Example If an individual increases his/her activity level, then their heart rate will increase because the body’s muscles (cells) will require more oxygen to function at a higher level. A faster beating heart will increase blood flow; thus, allowing an increased concentration of oxygen to reach the cells in need.

Data factual information Two Types 1. Quantitative 2. Qualitative

2 Types of Data Quantitative data consisting of numbers Qualitative Example Heart rate (80 beats/minute) Qualitative data consisting of verbal descriptions or information gathered using scales without numbers Examples Verbal description of heart rate (fast or slow)

Repeated Trials experimental tests done more than once necessary to provide more accurate results; data is averaged together lessens the impact of a chance error on the experimental results Examples In the heart rates lab each participant recorded their heart rates after performing various activities. Each participant’s data (for resting, walking, and running) represents a trial. If five total individuals performed the activities and gathered data, then there were a total of five trials.

Features of Experiments Control (Control Group) Condition which is held constant; allows for comparisons/determination of causality Independent variable Manipulated condition Response/dependent variable Some factor (or set of factors) which are monitored for change

Variables things that can be assigned or take on different values in an experiment any factor that can change Two Types 1. Independent 2. Dependent

Two Types of Variables Independent variables that are purposely changed or manipulated in an experiment the factor that you wish to test usually expressed after the word “if” in the hypothesis could be thought of as the “cause” in a cause and effect relationship Example The activity level (resting, walking, running) Dependent variables that may change as a result of the independent variable the factor you measure to gather results usually expressed after the word “then” in the hypothesis could be thought of as the “effect” in a cause and effect relationship Example The person’s heart rate

Identify the Variables independent variable If a student chooses to not study, then they will earn a poor grade. If you drink Gatorade before a soccer game, then you will score more goals. If you increase the mechanical advantage of a pulley system used to move an object, then the input force becomes less. dependent variable independent variable dependent variable independent variable dependent variable

Control or Control Group a group of subjects in an experiment that are not given any special treatment something that is not manipulated same as the experimental group in every possible way, except for the factor being tested a neutral point of reference for comparison – it allows you to see what changing a variable does by comparing it to not changing anything. Example The resting heart rate represented the baseline heart rate to which any increase in activity level was compared to.

Constants Factors in an experiment (both in the experimental and control groups) that are kept the same and not allowed to change Examples One minute was consistently the amount of time allotted to perform the necessary activity The type of activity performed The stopwatch used during data collection The method used to measure the heart rate

Field vs. Laboratory Experiments Able to control most extraneous variables Typically short term Sacrifices biological realism Field Typically longer than lab experiments (weeks, months, even years!) More environmental variablility More biological realism

Natural “experiments” Study which involves observations and data recording in the interest of finding interesting and unique patterns Lacks controls Less powerful than either lab or field expts Can provide important natural history information for future controlled studies

Science versus Pseudoscience Contrary to popular belief there is no one singular “Scientific Method” Methods and evidence vary by discipline Physics Cellular/molecular Geology Chemistry Evolutionary biology Ecology

What is Science, then? Science is a way of knowing or inquiring Features of Science Develops predictions that are testable and REFUTABLE Methods are reasonably replicable Avoids claims of certitude Results in a body of evidence open and accepting of scrutiny

What is pseudoscience? Many types, but some common examples: “Most dentists prefer…..” “I lost __ pounds in ten weeks. You can too!” If you place a penny on fish meat it will turn color if it is ciguatoxic” “My uncle smoked until he was 85 years old…”

Common features of Pseudoscience Lacks clear operational definitions Avoids statistical or probabilistic qualification Not open for refutation or lacks objective method of testing

Find Someone Who…… activity 7 Shapes to fill You can fill 1 shape for yourself You need to find 6 others to fill in the other shapes with answers If you ask someone for an answer, they must in turn provide an answer to you Write the name of the person who gave you the answer next to their answer

Find Someone Who…. List the Steps to the Scientific Method can be anywhere from 5-8 steps Does not need to be in order For Hypothesis: Given an EXAMPLE Write in “If ……. Then …. Because” format List AND Explain – meaning identify the type and then define it or explain what it is.

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