SCIENTI
FIC M
ETHOD
Scientific Method
Developed by Galan in 2nd Century A.D.
Series of steps followed by scientists to solve problems
1. DEFINE PROBLEM
State the problem in the form of a question to be answered
2. RESEARCH PROBLEM
1. Making observations2. Making initial measurements (quantitative)3. Collect information from different sources
3. HYPOTHESIS
Form a hypothesis (educated guess). Make a prediction to answer
problem.
Experiment are performed to test the hypothesis which may be supported or refuted.
4. EXPERIMENT
Experiments test the hypothesis.
Variables: any factor that may influence the experimentControl: a standard for comparison
Only ONE variable may be tested at a time.
Safety
CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT
Experiment based on the comparison of a control group and an experimental group
VARIABLES
All variables in an experiment are the same except for one factor
Independent variable: the manipulated variable
(I change it)
Dependent variable: the factor that is being measured or controlled during the experiment.
5. DATA COLLECTION
Observe and record data from experiment.
Present data in charts, graphs
6. CONCLUSIONS
Draw conclusions by inferring a resolution based on the facts.
Determine whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted.
7. REPORTING
Accurately report research methods, results and conclusions
Modeling - a visual, verbal or mathematical representation of an object
Communication methods: make a presentation, publish in a journal, share data with other scientists verbally.
8. THEORY
A hypothesis that is supported by experimental
evidence over a long period of time
Scientific explanations are based on fact and Scientific explanations are based on fact and
observation not superstition or fiction.observation not superstition or fiction.
KINDS OF RESEARCH
Pure Science - for sake of knowledge
Applied Science (technology) - research to solve practical problems; practical use of acquire knowledge
Quantitative - numerical involves measuring
Qualitative – descriptive: color, texture etc
SCIENCE AND SOCIETY
Bioethics - the study of what is right and wrong and morality of choices related to biological issues
1. evolution - creationism vs. evolutionism 2. genetic engineering - how far can we go? how far should we go? 3. AIDS - education, prevention, treatment 4. abortion - as a means of saving a life, a means of contraception
Based on opinion.
Society decides what is considered ethical.
TOOLS OF THE BIOLOGIST
General lab equipmentMicroscope: magnifies objectsCentrifuge (Ultracentrifuge): spins
mixtures separating cell partsChromatography: separates of mixtures of
pigmentsElectrophoresis: separates substances in a mixture
by the speed at which they move when subjected to an electric current.
Scientific sampling - collecting small samples to represent an entire population
Computer - record and coordinate large amount of data in order to make correlations in data