BIO140: Scientific Process

Science

_______: A process of understanding a natural world and using the knowledge to solve problems. A body of knowledge accumulated through steps of scientific method

Theory

_______: An explanation of a phenomena that is supported every time it is tested

• Ex. The Cell _____, supported by research and evidence every time it is tested

Scientific Law

_______: An explanation of a phenomenon that will always be supported

• Ex. The ___ of Gravity

Observation

The Scientific Method;

_______: Observing something in the natural world that leads to a question that can be tested

• Ex. For every case of peptic ulcer, there was also an infection of a bacteria helicobacter pylori. Doctors began to question if there was a connection

Hypothesis

The Scientific Method;

_______: Possible testable explanation for an observed situation based on prior knowledge that can either be supported or refuted by further investigation

• Ex. Researchers proposed the hypothesis that the bacterium H. Pylori causes peptic ulcers

Experiment

The Scientific Method;

_______: Tests the hypothesis by manipulating the environment and collecting data

• Ex. Infecting a person with bacteria and treating with antibiotics, when no one volunteered, researchers did self-inoculation

Study

The Scientific Method;

_______: Observed in the natural environment, no manipulation to collect data

• Ex. Continuing to observe patient tissues

Conclusion

The Scientific Method;

_______: Data is analyzed to determine if the hypothesis is supported or refuted. The findings can be expanded to bigger systems and used to solve problems

• Ex. The hypothesis was supported other scientists tested in their own environments, got the Nobel Prize in Medicine

Scientific Knowledge

_______: Accepted as general knowledge through rigorous testing and reviewing by other scientists. Shows if conclusions are truly supported or due to “bad science” or fraud

Andrew Wakefield; false knowledge → common knowledge

1. Reported mmR vaccine causes autism in the Lancet

2. Others refuted, saying it was fraud

3. Jumped to popular media

4. Negative info gains more traction

Climate Change; scientific knowledge → common knowledge

1. Studied by many people in many system

2. Will impact natural and human systems

3. Indigenous Knowledge

4. Some don’t experience it → “not their problem”

General Knowledge

_______: What we know about the world we live in from sources like personal experience and family, it includes our feelings about things (rational or irrational)

• Ex. Toilet vs Water fountain bacteria