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~c1entifi c Metl1od
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Chapter 1.4 - The Process of Life



A. Scientific Method

E'kwon White
Lab BIO_140
24 September
1. Biology is the scientific study of life
2. The general process of science is said to be characterized by this sequence of sta
8. Observation
1. Scientists believe nature is orderly and measurabl
2. Science also considers that natural laws do not change with tim
3. Phenomena can therefore be understood from observatio
4. Actual science research may also involve chance (e.g., Alexander Fleming's discovery of pe
*This principle of science is known as NATURAL CAUSALITY, by its nature it excludes supernatural phenom
What
What are
are some
some things
things that
that are
are considered
considered supernatura
supernatural?
magic,miracles,precognition,demonic possession,souls, spirits/ghosts,monsters.
Shows like
like ghost
Shows
ghost hunters
hunters only
only "pretend"
"pretend" to
to be
be scientific.
scientific. Why
Why isisiiitimpossible
impossibletototruly
trulystudy
studythis
thisphenome
phenomenon?
Explanations or claims that in principle cannot be tested empirically because they lack
specificity are non-scientific explanations or claims. Science cannot reach a conclusion
about (i.e., cannot support or contradict) an untestable explanation or claim. Explanations
that are testable but not contradictable are also non-scientific.
C. Hypothesis
1. Inductive reasoning allows a person to combine isolated facts into a cohesive whole
Examples
Examples of
of inductive
inductive reasoning
reasoning.
The coin I pulled from the bag is a penny. That coin is a penny. A third coin from the bag is a penny.
Therefore, all the coins in the bag are pennies.
2. A hypothesis is a possible explanation for a natural event - must be testab
Examples of hypotheses, check those that are valid and can be test
__ Bluebirds sing to attract mates.
__ Bluebird songs are beautiful.
__ Only male bluebirds sing.
__ Sparrows will leave territories where they hear bluebird songs.
__ Bluebirds hate sparrows.
Create your own hypothesis
If you drink coffee before going to bed, then it will take longer to fall asleep.
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Chapter I: Scientific Method
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D. Experiments/Further Observations

1. Testing a hypothesis involves either further observations or conducting an experim
2. Deductive reasoning involves "if, then" logic that predicts what will happen based on the hypothe


Example
Example of
of deductive
deductive reasoning
reasoning:
All men are mortal. Harold is a man. Therefore, Harold is mortal.
What is
What
is a
a syllogism?
syllogism?
A SYLLOGISM is an argument that has a major premise, minor premise, and conclusion and arrives at an absol
assuming the premises are true.
Why must
Why
must all
all hypotheses
hypotheses by
by FALSIFIABLE
FALSIFIABLE?
A hypothesis or model is called falsifiable if it is possible to conceive of an experimental observation that dispr
Why is it impossible to prove a negative?
person making
a negative
claim cannot logically prove nonexistence.
Why isThe
it impossible
to prove
a negative?
E. Data
And here's why: to know that a X does not exist would require a perfect knowledge of
all things (omniscience).To attain this knowledge would require simultaneous access to all parts of the world
1. Data are the results of experiments, and are observable and objectiv
2. Data are often displayed in a graph or table
3. Often the data must be inspected for the probability the data could show a relationship by chance;
is a measure of "significance."
Anecdotes are not data
F. Conclusion
1. Whether the data support or reject the hypothesis is the basis for the "conclusion." - avoid the word "prov
2. Science findings are reported in scientific journals so results are available to the research community (peer revie
3. The experiments and observations must be repeatable or the research is suspe
****In your own words (or with a graphic) explain the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning
G. Scientific Theory
1. The ultimate goal is to understand the natural world in scientific theories, conceptual schemes supported by a broad r
mean?
The goal of any scientific method is to solve a problem or to better understand an observed event.
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u1ap1er l : :Scientific Method
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Basic theories of biology are:
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a. Cell theory: all organisms are made of cells.
b. Biogenesis theory: life only comes from life.
c. Evolution theory: living things have a common ancestor and are adapted.
d. Gene theory: Organisms contain coded information that deterrrines their form function and
behavior.
'
'
e. Germ Theory - proposes that rricroorganisms are the causes of many diseases
f. Heliocentric Theory - the sun is the center of the solar system, planets revolve around the sun
g. Law of Gravity - masses attract each other
What
Whatisisthe
thedifference
differencebetween
betweenaatheory
theoryand
andaalaw?
law?
In simplest terms, a law predicts what happens while a theory proposes why.
A theory will never grow up into a law, though the development of one often triggers progress on the othe
Why
Whyisiscreationism
creationismnot
notconsidered
consideredscience?
science?
The scientific community has unanimously agreed that creation science is not scientific since it lacks empirical basis, offers no
and resolves to explain natural history in terms of scientifically untestable supernatural origins.
H. A Controlled Study
1. Some investigations are managed where conditions can be kept constant - the traditional experiment performed in science
science projects.
a. A variable is a factor that can cause an observable change.
b. The experimental (independent) variable is the step that is deliberately manipulated (what you changed).
c. A dependent variable is what you measure (the results).
Examples of experimental (independent) and dependent variables
Question: Does colored light affect plant growth?
What is the experimental variable?
Color of light
What is the dependent variable?
Plant Growth
2. Another exarll)le of a controlled study. A control group is one that does not receive any experimental treatment
Observation: Babies are born with severe birth defects, mothers of these babies report taking the drug thalidomide during preg
sickness.
Question: Does thalidorTide cause birth defects?
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Chapter I: Scientific Metho
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Experimental Group: Mice given thalidomide during pregnan

In this experiment, mice born from both the control and variable group will not have birth defects. This experiment w
before thalidomide was marketed and prescribed to pregnant wome


Does these mean that the hypothesis is not supported

No, it is still supported by the fact both the control and variable group reported no birth defec
What is
What
is confirmation
confirmation bias?
bias?
Confirmation bias is a psychological phenomenon in which a person tends to accept those references
or findings which confirm his/her existing belief in things.
How do
How
do scientists
scientists address
address this
this problem?
problem?
Encourage and carefully consider critical views on the working hypothesis. Ensure that all stakeholders examine
Do not rely on analysis and summary from a single individual. Design experiments to actually test the hypothesis
A Field Study
It's important to realize that not all science occurs in the lab. Scientists also conduct field studies-.where they observe orga
environment, and even manipulate that environmen
Example of
Example
of a
a field
field study:
study:
Interviewing people about their tasks and challenges gives you very rich information.
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