Unit 1: The Process of Science

THE PROCESS OF SCIENCE

Origin of Science

  • The word science is derived from a Latin verb meaning "to know."

  • Science is essentially a way of knowing, grounded in inquiry.

  • It has developed from our inherent curiosity about ourselves and the world surrounding us.

Main Scientific Approaches

  • Two primary approaches in science:

    • Discovery Science: Focused on describing nature.

    • Hypothesis-Driven Science: Concentrated on explaining nature.

DISCOVERY SCIENCE

Characteristics of Discovery Science

  • Science seeks natural causes for natural phenomena.

    • This approach limits science to the study of observable and measurable structures and processes.

  • Reliance on verifiable observations differentiates science from beliefs in the supernatural.

Data in Discovery Science

  • Verifiable observations and measurements form the primary data in discovery science.

    • In biology, this approach enables descriptions of life across various levels, from ecosystems to cells and molecules.

Inquiry Process

  • Discovery science sparks questions leading us to explanations.

  • It employs a framework known as the scientific method, a loose guideline consisting of steps for scientific investigation.

HYPOTHESIS-DRIVEN SCIENCE

Understanding Hypothesis-Driven Science

  • Most contemporary scientific investigations fall under hypothesis-driven science.

  • A hypothesis is defined as a tentative answer to a question or an explanation to be tested.

  • Everyday problem-solving often involves the use of hypotheses, such as diagnosing faulty TV remotes.

Testing a Hypothesis

  • Once a hypothesis is formulated, it can be tested using logic.

  • Testing a hypothesis involves experiments aimed at verifying predicted outcomes.

  • This process of deductive reasoning often follows the “If… then…” structure.

Example of Testing a Hypothesis

  • Question: What’s wrong with the remote?

  • Hypothesis: The batteries are dead.

  • Prediction: With new batteries, it will work.

  • Experiment: Replace the batteries.

  • Outcomes:

    • If experiment supports hypothesis: make additional predictions and test further.

    • If experiment does not support hypothesis: revise hypothesis and retest.

CASE STUDY: ARE TRANS FATS BAD FOR YOU?

Overview of Trans Fats

  • Types of Dietary Fat: Various forms exist, with trans fats being a non-natural form artificially created through hydrogenation.

  • Functions of Trans Fats:

    • Add texture

    • Extend shelf life

    • Cost-effective in preparation

Research Findings

  • A study involving 120,000 female nurses indicated that high levels of trans fats in diet nearly doubled the risk of heart disease.

Hypothesis-Driven Study

  • Background of Study:

    • The research originated from the observation that human body fat retains traces of consumed dietary fat.

  • Central Question: Is there a difference in the adipose tissue of heart attack patients versus healthy patients?

  • Hypothesis Formulated: Healthy patients would exhibit lower trans fat levels in body fat compared to heart attack patients.

Experimental Design

  • Experiment Framework: A study was conducted comparing 79 heart attack patients against 167 control patients.

    • This experiment is categorized as a controlled experiment, focusing on differences attributed solely to heart attack occurrence.

  • Results: The study revealed significantly increased trans fat levels within the heart attack patient group.

  • Public Health Recommendation: Awareness of trans fats’ detrimental effects; emphasis on reading nutrition labels to avoid trans fats.

Data on Trans Fats in Adipose Tissue

  • Quantitative Analysis of trans fats measured in grams of trans fat per 100 grams of total fat:

    • Heart attack patients: 1.77 g

    • Control group: 1.48 g

THEORIES IN SCIENCE

Scientific Theories

  • Difference between a scientific theory and a hypothesis:

    • A scientific theory encompasses a wider scope than a mere hypothesis.

    • It gains acceptance through extensive and varied evidence accumulation.

Comparative Inquiry Methods

  • Scientific theories are just one avenue for understanding nature; other methods include religion and art.

THE CULTURE OF SCIENCE

Characteristics of Scientific Culture

  • Scientists build upon prior research, staying attuned to contemporary work in the field.

  • The culture fosters both cooperation and competition, where conclusions are verified through replication of experiments.

  • A general skepticism characterizes the scientific mindset.

Distinction of Scientific Inquiry

  • Two salient features separate science from other inquiry forms:

    • Dependence on verifiable observations and measurements

    • Necessity for testable hypotheses verified through repeatable experiments

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Interdependence of Science and Technology

  • Science and technology support one another:

    • New technologies propel scientific advancements.

    • Scientific breakthroughs introduce novel technologies.

  • Example: The discovery of DNA structure has led to various DNA technologies.

Societal Impacts of Technology

  • Technology has enhanced quality of life but poses risks.

  • Rapid population growth, doubling to 7 billion in 40 years, may have severe environmental repercussions.

EVOLUTION CONNECTION: EVOLUTION IN OUR EVERYDAY LIVES

Antibiotic Resistance

  • Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections; they typically eliminate most bacteria.

  • Bacteria exhibiting natural resistance survive, leading to their proliferation and becoming dominant strains.

  • The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria presents a significant public health challenge.

Response Measures

  • Selective use of antibiotics is being practiced.

  • Reductions in antibiotic use in animal feed are becoming common in agriculture.

Clarification on Bacterial Adaptation

  • It's important to note that bacteria's adaptation to antibiotics does not mean antibiotics created the resistance; rather, they selected for pre-existing heritable variations within the bacterial population.

CLASSIFICATION OF LIFE

Domains and Kingdoms of Life

  • Life is classified into three domains:

    • Domain Bacteria

    • Domain Archaea

    • Domain Eukarya: Includes kingdoms such as Plantae, Fungi, Animalia, and Protists representing all other eukaryotes.

NATURAL SELECTION

Mechanisms of Natural Selection

  • Observations Contributing to Natural Selection:

    • Overproduction of offspring

    • Competition for resources

    • Individual variations within populations

  • Conclusion Derived from Observations: These factors lead to unequal reproductive success, which is the core of natural selection.

Scientific Method for Natural Selection

  • Continuation of inquiry through the scientific method:

    • Observation -> Question -> Hypothesis -> Prediction -> Experiment.