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Concept 1.3: Scientists use two main forms of inquiry in their study of nature Science - Latin meaning “to know” Inquiry is the search for information and explanation Often fueled by curiosity There are two main types of scientific inquiry discovery science hypothesis-based science Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings
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Discovery Science Discovery science describes natural structures and processes based on observation analysis of data Attempt to explain an event as best as possible with the info/data that is available Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings
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Types of Data Data - recorded observations & items of information two types Qualitative - descriptions rather than measurements The chimp is hairy. The chimp climbs on its mother. Quantitative - recorded measurements, often organized into tables and graphs The chimp weighs 24.9 kg. The chimp is 1.09 m tall. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings
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Fig. 1-23
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Induction in Discovery Science Inductive reasoning draws conclusions through the logical process of induction Repeat specific observations can lead to important generalizations “the sun always rises in the east” “all organisms are made of cells” “I leave for work at 6:10, I am on time. I will always be on time if I leave at 6:10.” Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings
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Hypothesis-Based Science General observations can lead us to ask more specific questions What if I leave later than 6:10, will I be on time? Then propose hypothetical explanations for the event - hypotheses A reasonable and testable explanation for what is going on Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings
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Deduction: The “If…Then” Logic of Hypothesis Based Science Deductive reasoning uses general premises (knowledge) to make specific predictions General info specific solution Problem – flashlight not working If I change the batteries, then the flashlight will work. Problem – tomato plant not growing If I add fertilizer to the soil, the plant will grow Problem – urine is dark If I drink more fluids the color of my urine will lighten Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings
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A Closer Look at Hypotheses in Scientific Inquiry A hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable Hypothesis-based science often makes use of two or more alternative hypotheses What else could be wrong with the flashlight if changing the battery does not work? Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings
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The Myth of the Scientific Method The scientific method is an idealized process of inquiry Hypothesis-based science is based on this ideal set of steps but rarely follows all the ordered steps Discovery science has made important contributions with very little dependence on the so-called scientific method Research redirected if wrong question asked Experiment put on pause to make more observations Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings
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Limitations of Science In science, observations and experimental results must be repeatable Science cannot support or falsify supernatural explanations Outside of scientific explanation Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings
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Theories in Science In the context of science, a theory is: Broader in scope than a hypothesis General, and can lead to new testable hypotheses Supported by a large body of evidence in comparison to a hypothesis Is NOT just an idea or a hunch about why something is happening Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings
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Model Building in Science Models are representations of natural phenomena and can take the form of: Diagrams Three-dimensional objects Computer programs Mathematical equations Designed with an audience in mind Used to illustrate and explain processes or events Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings
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Science, Technology, and Society The goal of science is to understand natural phenomena The goal of technology is to apply scientific knowledge for some specific purpose Science and technology are interdependent Biology is marked by “discoveries,” while technology is marked by “inventions” Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings
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The combination of science and technology has dramatic effects on society discovery of DNA structure and copying mechanism allowed for advances in DNA technology Sequencing and genetic testing Ethical issues can arise from new technology – political, social, ethical Should design our children we because we have the technology? Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings
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