The Scientific Method Chpt. 5 Summary

Objectives Describe the order of steps in the scientific method Describe the order of steps in the scientific method Explain the role of reasoning skills in forming a hypothesis Explain the role of reasoning skills in forming a hypothesis Identify Variables in a food science experiment and how they may change results Identify Variables in a food science experiment and how they may change results Demonstrate how to complete a data table and report for an experiment Demonstrate how to complete a data table and report for an experiment Distinguish between a hypothesis and a scientific theory Distinguish between a hypothesis and a scientific theory Suggest guidelines for doing a food science research project Suggest guidelines for doing a food science research project

Key Terms Data Data Deductive Reasoning Deductive Reasoning Dependent Variable Dependent Variable Experiment Experiment Hypothesis Hypothesis Independent Variable Inductive Reasoning Theory Variable

Scientific Method

Forming a Hypothesis Observations lead to possible explanations for questions and problems Observations lead to possible explanations for questions and problems Hypothesis: testable predictions that explain certain observations Hypothesis: testable predictions that explain certain observations Educated guess Educated guess Answers What am I trying to Prove? What questions do I want to answer? Answers What am I trying to Prove? What questions do I want to answer? First Step in the Scientific Method First Step in the Scientific Method Gives direction to the experiment and guides you in structuring the experiment Gives direction to the experiment and guides you in structuring the experiment Gives a goal and a focus Gives a goal and a focus

Reasoning Skills Use your brain Use your brain In order to form a hypothesis you must use INDUCTIVE and DEDUCTIVE reasoning In order to form a hypothesis you must use INDUCTIVE and DEDUCTIVE reasoning Inductive Reasoning: drawing a general conclusion from specific facts or experiences Inductive Reasoning: drawing a general conclusion from specific facts or experiences Deductive Reasoning: reaching a conclusion about a specific case based on KNOWN facts and general principle Deductive Reasoning: reaching a conclusion about a specific case based on KNOWN facts and general principle If……Then Statements, the know fact (if) leads you to the conclusion (then) If……Then Statements, the know fact (if) leads you to the conclusion (then)

Experimentation Heart of the Scientific Method Heart of the Scientific Method EXPERIMENTS: a way to test the hypothesis in order to verify or disprove it. EXPERIMENTS: a way to test the hypothesis in order to verify or disprove it. Must identify and create situations that test the Hypothesis Must identify and create situations that test the Hypothesis Must have VARIABLES Must have VARIABLES Includes a list of equipment and materials, give step by step instructions Includes a list of equipment and materials, give step by step instructions Variables: factors that can change in an experiment Variables: factors that can change in an experiment Gets more reliable results Gets more reliable results 2 Types of Variables: IDENPENTDAENT AND DEPENDENT 2 Types of Variables: IDENPENTDAENT AND DEPENDENT Independent variable: The factor that you change Independent variable: The factor that you change Dependent Variable: factor that changes as a result of the independent variable Dependent Variable: factor that changes as a result of the independent variable

Analyzing Data Be able to explain what happened in the experiment Be able to explain what happened in the experiment Data: The information gathered during an experiment Data: The information gathered during an experiment Make sure it Is consistent Make sure it Is consistent The more consistent the more valuable it will be for drawing conclusions The more consistent the more valuable it will be for drawing conclusions In order to make sure information is correct you may need to do the experiment more than once In order to make sure information is correct you may need to do the experiment more than once

Data Tables Used to arrange data in a clear, logical form Used to arrange data in a clear, logical form Could use charts, graphs, tables and explanations Could use charts, graphs, tables and explanations

Reporting Results You are not finished until the results of the experiment are reported You are not finished until the results of the experiment are reported Results must be re- testable Results must be re- testable Fill out a Laboratory Report Form or Create your own Fill out a Laboratory Report Form or Create your own It should include: Title of Experiment Who Performed the experiment Date Purpose Procedure Results Data Calculations Analysis of Results Conclusion

Developing and Revising Theories “No amount of experimentation canprove me right, a single experiment can prove me wrong.” “No amount of experimentation canprove me right, a single experiment can prove me wrong.” Albert Einstein Albert Einstein A hypothesis that is consistently verified may be established as a THEORY A hypothesis that is consistently verified may be established as a THEORY Theory: an explanation based on a body of knowledge gained from many observations and supported by the results of many experiments Theory: an explanation based on a body of knowledge gained from many observations and supported by the results of many experiments Theories may be refined, broadened or disproved Theories may be refined, broadened or disproved

Conducting Research You need to investigate and research others information You need to investigate and research others information May inspire or guide an experiment May inspire or guide an experiment First: Choose a Topic that interests you (think back to the questions you had about food) First: Choose a Topic that interests you (think back to the questions you had about food) Second: Narrow the focus Second: Narrow the focus Third: Find the information Third: Find the information

Assignment Work with a partner or by yourself Work with a partner or by yourself Create a Poster/Flyer (using your laptop or paper) Stating and explaining the steps in the scientific method and the three step method for conducting research Create a Poster/Flyer (using your laptop or paper) Stating and explaining the steps in the scientific method and the three step method for conducting research Put it in your own words, Use things that you think would help you or others remember it Put it in your own words, Use things that you think would help you or others remember it Be CREATIVE Be CREATIVE Use pictures, colors, etc. Use pictures, colors, etc. Due Friday (if you do not finish today, you may finish on Friday when you are finished with your other assignment) Due Friday (if you do not finish today, you may finish on Friday when you are finished with your other assignment)