SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Scientific Method Developed by Galan in 2nd Century A.D. Series of steps followed by scientists to solve problems

1. DEFINE PROBLEM State the problem in the form of a question to be answered

2. RESEARCH PROBLEM 1. Making observations 2. Making initial measurements (quantitative) 3. Collect information from different sources

3. HYPOTHESIS Form a hypothesis (educated guess). Make a prediction to answer problem. Experiment are performed to test the hypothesis which may be supported or refuted.

4. EXPERIMENT Experiments test the hypothesis. Variables: any factor that may influence the experiment Control: a standard for comparison Only ONE variable may be tested at a time. Safety

CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT Experiment based on the comparison of a control group and an experimental group

VARIABLES All variables in an experiment are the same except for one factor Independent variable: the manipulated variable (I change it) Dependent variable: the factor that is being measured or controlled during the experiment.

5. DATA COLLECTION Observe and record data from experiment. Present data in charts, graphs

6. CONCLUSIONS Draw conclusions by inferring a resolution based on the facts. Determine whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted.

7. REPORTING Accurately report research methods, results and conclusions Modeling - a visual, verbal or mathematical representation of an object Communication methods: make a presentation, publish in a journal, share data with other scientists verbally.

8. THEORY A hypothesis that is supported by experimental evidence over a long period of time Scientific explanations are based on fact and Scientific explanations are based on fact and observation not superstition or fiction. observation not superstition or fiction.

KINDS OF RESEARCH Pure Science - for sake of knowledge Applied Science (technology) - research to solve practical problems; practical use of acquire knowledge Quantitative - numerical involves measuring Qualitative – descriptive: color, texture etc

SCIENCE AND SOCIETY Bioethics - the study of what is right and wrong and morality of choices related to biological issues  1. evolution - creationism vs. evolutionism  2. genetic engineering - how far can we go? how far should we go?  3. AIDS - education, prevention, treatment  4. abortion - as a means of saving a life, a means of contraception Based on opinion. Society decides what is considered ethical.

TOOLS OF THE BIOLOGIST General lab equipment Microscope: magnifies objects Centrifuge (Ultracentrifuge): spins mixtures separating cell parts Chromatography: separates of mixtures of pigments Electrophoresis: separates substances in a mixture by the speed at which they move when subjected to an electric current. Scientific sampling - collecting small samples to represent an entire population Computer - record and coordinate large amount of data in order to make correlations in data