Scientific Method #2

Bio Lecture #2

Domestication

• a multi-generational relationship in which one species takes control and care of another species

  • to such as degree that the domesticated species is less able of survival in the wild than its ancestors were

Domestication does not require science in order to occur

Domestication does not require science in order to occur

Observation

• the act of noticing or perceiving in the natural sciences

  • use ur senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing etc.)

  • & ur perception to record data using scientific instruments 

• data collected during the scientific activity 

data 

what do multiple observations =?

Spontaneous Generation

• the idea that living creatures comes from non-living matter, often and continuously

  • Originated from Aristotle

Experiment

• a procedure carried out to gather evidence to test the validity of an idea (hypothesis)

  • in a way that is controlled and repeatable

  • allow scientists to determine the effects of different factors on outcomes

    • different factors = variables

Hypothesis 

• a proposed explanation for a series of observation, that can be tested and falsified

• it MUST be:

  • testable

  • lead to predictions that can also be tested

• we can NEVER prove it to be true

  • we can only ever demonstrate that it is FALSE

testable and lead to predictions that can also be tested

a hypothesis MUST be what?

null hypothesis

• a proven false hypothesis

independent variable

• a variable whose value is manipulated or changed during an experiment to reveal possible effects on dependent variable

• also known as a explanatory variable

dependent variable

• a variable whose value is measured during an experiment to see whether it is influenced by changes in the independent variable

• also known as a response variable

Theory

• an explanation of an aspect of the natural world and universe that can be repeatedly tested and corroberator/supported in accordance with the scientific method

• Requires a significant amount of time gathering data in an attempt to discredit your idea over and over  again until there are no more alternative options left to explain your observation besides your hypotheses

Induction

Observation→Pattern recognition→Hypothesis→Theory

observation —> pattern recognition —> hypothesis —> theory

induction 

deduction

Theory→Hypothesis→Observation→Rejection

theory —> hypothesis —> observation —> rejection

deduction

Treatment

• a comparative manipulation of the core mechanism of an experiment

  • compared against a control to determine base line effects

replication

• the number of times you rerun your experiment or measure your variables to establish confidence that your samples are statistically representative of the population

paradigm shift

• a fundamental change in the basic concepts and experimental practicles of a scientific discipline