All Types of Biotech Workplaces use the “Scientific Method”

The Scientific Method is a collective term for the techniques that scientific researchers use to provide data and gather evidence to answer scientific questions. The following is one approach:

• Observe-Observing a scientific phenomenon increases curiosity.

• Formulate a scientific question-The question must be testable*.

“Scientific Method” • Develop a hypothesis-Predict the results of

experimentation based on past research/experience.

• Plan an experiment-Design a controlled experiment with measurable data.

• Conduct experiments-Do multiple replications of the experiment. (record data)

• Analyze data and report results-Analyze data in light of expected results. Report final results in notebooks/ scientific journals/ scientific meetings.

Scientific Method1. Observation: use senses

2. Gather Data from Observations

3. Formulate a question then make a Hypothesis using Prior Knowledge Data

4. Test Hypothesis by Observation & Controlled Experiment

5. Record & Analyze the Data (= charts & graphs, etc.)

Quantitative: numbers (ex: plant height= 32cm)

Qualitative: descriptions (ex: red hair)

6. Form a Conclusion based on Evidence then Communicate to others

SCIENCE AS A PROCESS1) Scientific method2) Hypothesis Based (deductive reasoning vs.

Inductive reasoning?) Know the difference between both– “If….and…then…”

• If: hypothesis• And: experiment• Then: predicted result

3) Variables– IDV (independent variable): what you change in

order to test your hypothesis (x-axis)– DV (dependent variable): what you measure (data

collected) (y-axis)– Controlled variables: everything that stays the same

4) Experimental group vs. control group

Controlled ExperimentTwo groups

– Control Group: the group that the scientist uses as a base line for comparison.

• The scientist does NOTHING to this group• Used as a reference to ensure results are not due to chance

– Experimental Group: the group in the experiment that gets the change.

• independent variable is applied to this group!

X

XX

Experimental GroupControl Group

No sea stars

Sea star

present

Example- Hypothesis to Test: (marine science example)

If sea stars are present, the number of mussels will decrease.

You Try…

• What variables are controlled in the above experiment?• # of mussels

• Size of container• Size of mussels

• What variable is tested in the above experiment?• Sea star (only in the experimental group)

• Which group is the control group?

Replicated & Repeatable

• Replicated: do an experiment more than once, so you know your results weren’t just chance.– Be able to do a min. of 3 times

• Repeatable: someone else should be able to get similar results by following your experimental plan.

Data Collection/Results

• Data: Information collected by your experiment is used to determine if your hypothesis is correct.– Ex: # of dead mussels in

the control & experimental groups

• Results: Analysis and display of data. Usually in the form of a graph.

Trial # Control w/Star

1 2 6

2 1 5

3 3 7

average 2 6

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

# m

usse

ls d

ead

control experimental

Conclusion

• This is where you state if your hypothesis is correct or not.

• The BEST part is, even if your hypothesis is wrong you STILL LEARN SOMETHING!!

• Conclusion will (almost) always lead you to ask a new question & hypothesis..– Ex: (If your hypothesis was correct) What size of

mussels do sea stars prefer?

– Ex: (If hypothesis was WRONG) Sharp edges of mussels prevent sea stars eating them.