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