science is a process scientific inquiry is a search for information and explanation

Science is a process

Scientific inquiry is a search for information and explanation

Two Types of Scientific Inquiry

Two Types of Scientific InquiryDiscovery Science - describes nature

Two Types of Scientific InquiryDiscovery Science - describes nature

Hypothesis-based Science helps to explain natural phenomena

Two Types of Scientific InquiryDiscovery Science - describes nature through observation

Hypothesis-based Science - explains the observations & how biological systems work

Both arrive at conclusions using logic and reasoning

Types of Reasoning

Types of ReasoningInductiveReasoning flows from the specific to the general

Types of ReasoningInductiveReasoning flows from the specific to the general

DeductiveReasoning flows from the general to the specific

Discovery Science - Observations are made and recorded (data), may be qualitative or quantitative

Discovery Science - Observations are made and recorded (data), may be qualitative or quantitativeExamples: Cell description databases of DNA sequences chimpanzee behavior

- Uses inductive reasoning

Hypothesis-based Science


Seeks natural causes and explanation for observation


Seeks natural causes and explanation for observation (How & Why)

Uses deductive reasoning

Applying hypothetico-deductive reasoning to a campground problem

Hypothesis

Hypothesis

A possible explanation for a well-defined question

Hypothesis

A possible explanation for a well-defined questionProposed based on past experience and data made available through discovery science

Hypothesis

A possible explanation for a well-defined questionProposed based on past experience and data made available through discovery scienceLeads to a prediction which can be tested- measurable and controllable

Steps of hypothesis-driven scientific inquiry


Observation based on established knowledge


Observation based on established knowledge Question


Observation based on established knowledge QuestionHypothesis


Observation based on established knowledge QuestionHypothesisPrediction (if.then) testable


Observation based on established knowledge QuestionHypothesisPrediction (if.then) testableDesigning and conducting experiment (controlled)


Observation based on established knowledge QuestionHypothesisPrediction (if.then) testableDesigning and conducting experiment (controlled)Obtaining results (data)


Observation based on established knowledge QuestionHypothesisPrediction (if.then) testableDesigning and conducting experiment (controlled)Obtaining results (data)Analysis & Conclusion (whether data supports or does not support the hypothesis)


Observation based on established knowledge QuestionHypothesisPrediction (if.then) testableDesign and conducting experiment(controlled)Obtaining results (data)Analysis & Conclusion (whether data supports or does not support the prediction and the hypothesis)Revision of hypothesis (if necessary)

Theory

Theory

A general statement about a comprehensive concept supported by much evidence.

Theory


Broader than a hypothesisBrings together many conclusions

Theory


Broader than a hypothesisBrings together many conclusionsExample: The Cell Theory

An explanation offered by a hypothesis must be for a question that isWell-definedTestable measurablecontrollable

Elements of Experimental DesignIdentification of the:

Independent Variable - the factor that will be manipulated/altered by the scientist from experimental setup to setup

Dependent Variable - the factor that is counted, measured or observed

Uncontrolled Variables - alternative independent variables that have not been accounted/compensated for that may impact results

Controlled Variables - alternative independent variables we have accounted for (kept uniform among different groups)

Instituting a control - a setup where the independent variable is held constant or omitted so that the control treatment serves as a benchmark, yielding either an expected positive or negative value/result.

Presenting ResultsData is presented commonly in two standard formats: Figures and/or TablesFigures include graphs, charts, diagrams, sketches, pictures/photos, etc.When in graphical format, figures need appropriately labeled axesAdditionally, all figures need an appropriate label & title that have been correctly positioned below the graphFor example:

[Independent Variable (x-axis)][Dependent Variable (y-axis)]Figure 1. Effect of CO2 Concentration on Growth of Strawberry PlantConcentration of CO2 (parts per million)Plant Height (centimeters)labelTitle (very descriptive)

Choosing an Appropriate Graphing FormatLine graph vs. Bar Graph vs. Scatter PlotLine Graph - used in the presentation of continuous data; plot separate data points and then connect the points using linesBar Graph - used for data from separate distinct groups or non-numerical categoriesScatter Plot - use data to determine how much one variable is affected by the other; the closer the data points come when plotted to making a straight line, the higher the correlation between the two variables, or the stronger the relationship - correlations can be positive (showing a proportional relationship) or negative (inversely proportional relationship)

Tables are constructed with 2 columns and multiple rows - each column receives a heading with the left column representing the independent variable and the right column representing the dependent variableTables also need an appropriate label & title that have been correctly positioned above the tableFor example:

Table 1. Growth of Strawberry Plant When Exposed to Differing Amounts of CO2 Gas.

CO2 Concentration (parts per million)Plant Height (centimeters)5510715152019

Labeling of Figures and Tables is conducted independently of one anotherFor example, if there is a figure to start with followed by a table followed by two more figures followed by a final table, the labeling would occur as such:

Figure 1. Table 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Table 2.

Observation:A person with high cardiovascular fitness has relatively lower resting pulse rate and a lower respiratory rate increase after exercise, and his or her pulse rate returns to normal faster than a less fit person

Experimental Investigation: Lab 1

Question:Are females more cardiovascularly fit than males?Hypothesis:Your simple tentative answer/statement to this question (does not require an explanation)Prediction: In the format of If., then.Ex: If the hypothesis is true, and the step test is carried out, then females should demonstrate/have(whatever specific result you would anticipate in support of the hypothesis).

Designing an ExperimentCardiovascular fitnessDetermined by1. increase in pulse rate (PR) after exercise.Measure PR before (resting rate) & after aerobic exercise (exercise rate)2. Recovery time to resting pulse rate - how many minutes it takes to return to resting rate after exercise.

science is a process scientific inquiry is a search for information and explanation

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