bio week 2 skills seminar for labs

Week 2 Skills Seminar

• Presenter: Dr. Thomas Hiscox

• Website: tomhiscox.com

• Slide Availability: BIO1011 Moodle page under Week 2 "Reflect" section and "Weekly seminar information"

Acknowledgment

• Recognition of the traditional, unceded lands of the Kulin nations.

• Respect paid to both past and present Elders.

Copyright Notice

• Material reproduced under s113P of the Copyright Act 1968 by Monash University.

• Reproduction or communication may be subject to copyright protection.

• Important to retain this notice in all communications.

Outline of Seminar Topics

1. Scientific Method - Revision

2. Experimental Variables

   • a. Controlled Variables

   • b. Independent Variable

   • c. Dependent Variable

3. Developing a Hypothesis

Scientific Reasoning

Types of Reasoning

• Inductive Reasoning

  1. Make observations first.

  2. Make repeated observations.

  3. Develop generalization explaining observations (hypothesis).

  4. Test hypothesis with controlled experiments.

• Deductive Reasoning

  1. Start with a general principle or rule.

  2. Make predictions based on the principle (hypothesis).

  3. Conduct experiments to test the hypothesis.

  4. Modify hypothesis based on results.

Examples

• Inductive Reasoning Example: Darwin's observation on finch beak shapes and diets.

• Deductive Reasoning Example: All mammals have mammary glands; dolphins have mammary glands; therefore, dolphins are mammals.

The Scientific Method

Definition

• A systematic approach to problem-solving using measurable, empirical evidence from repeated experimentation.

Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Make an observation.

2. Ask a question.

3. Form a hypothesis based on background research.

4. Make a prediction related to hypothesis.

5. Test the prediction.

6. Conclude if data supports the hypothesis.

Experimental Design - Controls

• Importance of Controls: Necessary to eliminate influences of random factors outside the variable under investigation.

• Control Group: Similar to experimental group but not exposed to the experimental variable.

  • Negative Control Group: No change expected; confirms that no other factors affect results.

  • Positive Control Group: Demonstrates expected result to validate experimental setup.

Variables in an Experiment

• Dependent Variable: The variable being tested.

• Independent Variable: The variable manipulated by the scientist.

• Controlled Variables: Kept constant to isolate the independent variable.

Developing Hypothesis and Predictions

Hypothesis Definition

• An explanation based on observations leading to a testable prediction.

Hypothesis Relationship with Variables

• Hypothesis proposes a relationship between independent and dependent variables.

• Prediction details the expected outcome if the hypothesis is correct.

Tom’s Rules About Hypotheses

1. Must be testable by experimentation.

2. Must be justifiable by evidence.

3. Multiple hypotheses are acceptable.

4. It’s acceptable for a hypothesis to be incorrect; revise and retest.

5. Hypotheses must be supported by experimental evidence.

6. Limited to specific phenomena; broader claims become theories.

Example Scenario for Hypothesis Development

• Observation: Deep tread patterns on cars affect braking distance.

Experimental Variables Breakdown

• Independent Variable: Tyre tread pattern.

• Dependent Variable: Braking distance.

• Controls: Car type, road conditions, weight, etc.

• Negative Control: Tyres with no tread to show baseline results.

Addressing Experimental Errors

Types of Errors

• Systematic Error: Inconsistencies in measurement; can result from poor design or lab practice.

• Random Error: Variability in results due to small sample analysis; average and standard deviation can vary over multiple trials.

Minimization Strategies

1. Utilize graphical data presentation with 95% confidence intervals.

2. Employ statistical tests (like Student’s T-test) to compare data sets.

Group Presentation Introduction

• Prepare for group presentations related to the scientific method and experiments.

Closing Questions

• Open floor for any inquiries related to the content presented.