1. Chapter 2:
The Science of Biology

2. Scientific inquiry:
Making observations in nature, asking questions about these observations, and actively seeking answers to those questions

3. Data: recorded observations
Quantitative data: observations recorded as measurements—always involve a number
Qualitative data: descriptive data (color, sound, shape, texture etc.) – used when numerical data is impossible or difficult to obtain
Inference: logical conclusion based on an observation; ex. if doorbell rings, then someone is at the door

4. Variables Variable: condition that can vary in an experiment
Independent variable:
the factor that is changed or controlled by the experimenter when testing a hypothesis
Dependent variable:
the factor that is changed as a result of the changes made in the independent variable

5. Scientific Method
Procedures used by biologists and other scientists to gather information used in problem solving and experimentation

6. Scientific Method

7. Observation
Use of the senses to gather and record information about structures or processes

8. Asking a Question
Based on observations; one or more questions are generated

9. Hypothesizing
Hypothesis: a suggested answer to a well-defined scientific question; an educated guess
Always written as an
“if…then…” statement

10. Predicting
To test hypothesis it is necessary to make predictions that logically follows from the hypothesis
A statement made in advance that states the results that will be obtained from testing the hypothesis

11. Test
Testing a hypothesis or prediction by gathering data under controlled conditions
Controlled experiment: experiment that tests the effect of a single variable
it will not be influenced by the variable the other groups are testing

12. Organizing Data
Involves placing observations and measurement (data) in order
charts, tables, or maps

13. Analyzing Data Collected and organized data must be analyzed
Graphs are frequently used to display data
Three types of graphs may be used:
Line graphs
Bar graphs
Pie graphs

14. Bar Graphs X-axis: independent variable Y-axis: dependent variable
Used to display numerical data that is obtained by counting

15. Line Graphs X-axis: independent variable Y-axis: dependent variable
Most useful for showing trends or continuous change

16. PIE GRAPHS Uses circle divided into sections to display data
Each section represents a part of the whole
All sections placed together equal 100% of the whole

17. Forming a Theory
A broad and comprehensive statement of what is thought to be true
Supported by considerable evidence
Ties together related hypotheses

18. Terms
Evidence: collected body of data from observations and experiments
Model: physical, mathematical, or mental representations of how people understand a process or idea
Technology: application of scientific understanding for some specific purpose

25. 1. What should you do if your test does not support your hypothesis?
Revise the hypothesis or pose and test a new one.

26. 2. How is a prediction different from a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a possible answer to a scientific question, while a prediction is a statement about what will happen under a specific set of conditions. Multiple predictions can be based on a single hypothesis.

27. Independent variables answer the question "What do I change?".
Dependent variables answer the question "What do I observe?".
Controlled variables answer the question "What do I keep the same?".