1. The Scientific Method

2. How can we ask questions about functions, interaction, etc.? The Scientific Method – Process of inquiry Discovery Science – Descriptive Hypothesis-based Science – Explanatory 2 ?

3. What is the Scientific Method? The process by which we address questions Hypothesis based Experimental design Necessary for the forward progression of Science 3

4. What is the Scientific Method? Observation/Question Hypothesis/Prediction Experiment Conclusion 4

5. Key Figures of the Scientific Method Aristotle (384-322 BCE) – Wrote about arriving at reliable knowledge via observation Ibn al-Hytham (965-1039) – First to use repeated cycle of hypothesis, experimentation and verification – Formalized by Rodger Bacon Galileo Galleli (1564-1642) – Known as the father of modern scientific methodology 5

6. Steps of the Scientific Method 6 Formulate a Question Create a Hypothesis Prediction(s) Make an Observation

7. Steps of the Scientific Method 7 Formulate a Question Create a Hypothesis Prediction(s) Test Analyze Support Hypothesis Reject Hypothesis Make an Observation

8. Observation is key The scientific method starts with an observation Which leads to a question 8 – Who? – What? – When? – Where? – Why? – How?

9. Observations Often based on previous hypotheses and experiments Standing on the shoulders of giants 9

10. Formulate a question This is an important step. Organizing observations in to formal questions helps to direct your hypothesis Observation: The Sky is blue. 10

11. Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning Inductive reasoning – Applying what is seen in a specific case to the general principle. Extrapolating from specific observations to general – Example: Sparrows are birds, they have wings, and can fly. Therefore, all birds can fly. Deductive reasoning – Using general observations to extrapolate to specific examples – Example: All birds have feathers wings, we know sparrows have feathered wings, so they must be birds 11

12. Karl Popper – Deduction over induction Empirical falsification – Critical rationalism Can only be tested if falsifiable A hypothesis is accepted as true if supported by evidence Null hypothesis 12 Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning

13. Generalization are helpful, although there are usually exceptions to the rule Deductive generalizations are testable Inductive are often not testable – And if tested regularly produce false positives 13 Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning

14. Hypothetical-Deductive Reasoning Builds upon the ideas of deductive reasons Requires that a hypothesis be created before testing Hypothesis = a tentative answer (or thesis) to a question 14

15. How to Write a Hypothesis A Good Hypothesis or Prediction: Statement based on observation or question A hypothesis leads to prediction – Plausible outcomes IF your hypothesis is true 15

16. How to Write a Hypothesis H 1 : A testable explanation for an observation H 2 : An alternative testable explanation for an observation 16

17. The Null Hypothesis H 0 : The null hypothesis When all testable hypothesis are rejected There is an explanation for the observation – but it’s not one of the hypotheses 17

18. REMEMBER…. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation – An educated guess Therefore, – It can be proven false by experimentation (refuted) – It cannot be proven correct To prove a hypothesis you would have to always get the same answer. 18

19. Experimental Design A test to answer your question – Test your hypothesis/predictions Must test variables in the hypothesis 19

20. Experimental Design Must: Give measurable results Multiple samples/subjects Control group 20

21. Conclusion Does your test support the hypothesis? – If Yes then you accept the testable hypothesis (H 1 ) If NO then you reject the hypothesis – Accept the null hypothesis (H 0 ) – Go back and create a new testable hypothesis 21

22. Theories Nonscientific use: theory = a guess, or not really – “I have a theory that the royal baby had a polydactyl right hand” My name is Inigo Montoya – “In theory it’s summer, but the leaves are starting to change color.” Scientific use: theories = hypotheses supported by many experiments – Theory of evolution by means of natural selection – Theory of global warming 22

23. Scientific Theory Stand the test of time – Repeatedly supported by experiments Anomolies or exceptions are identified – and can be explained with testable hypothesis Theories can be modified or refuted through new hypotheses and experimentation 23

24. Galileo Galleli Championed Heliocenterisim – The sun was the center of our solar system, Not earth (i.e. geocenterisim) Observation of solar pathways across the night sky Was ultimately imprisoned for the remainder of his life 24

25. Laws These are theories that have been demonstrated in nature to occur without variation. Law of Thermodynamics Law of Gravity 25

26. Communicating with the Sci. Method Good science follows The scientific method Primary literature should lead you through the authors thought process – And implementation of the scientific method 26

27. Communicating with the Sci. Method Proper implementation of the scientific method will lend itself to good communications And the formation of at least two new hypotheses – Regardless of the outcome 27