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
Scientific Method - Revision
Experimental Variables
a. Controlled Variables
b. Independent Variable
c. Dependent Variable
Developing a Hypothesis
Scientific Reasoning
Types of Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Make observations first.
Make repeated observations.
Develop generalization explaining observations (hypothesis).
Test hypothesis with controlled experiments.
Deductive Reasoning
Start with a general principle or rule.
Make predictions based on the principle (hypothesis).
Conduct experiments to test the hypothesis.
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
Make an observation.
Ask a question.
Form a hypothesis based on background research.
Make a prediction related to hypothesis.
Test the prediction.
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
Must be testable by experimentation.
Must be justifiable by evidence.
Multiple hypotheses are acceptable.
It’s acceptable for a hypothesis to be incorrect; revise and retest.
Hypotheses must be supported by experimental evidence.
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
Utilize graphical data presentation with 95% confidence intervals.
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.