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Scientific Method Notes F '24

The document outlines the principles of experimental design in biology, emphasizing the importance of observations, inferences, and controlled experiments. It details the steps of the scientific method, the formulation of hypotheses, and the distinction between independent and dependent variables. Additionally, it discusses data collection, display methods, and the difference between scientific laws and theories.

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2 views

Scientific Method Notes F '24

The document outlines the principles of experimental design in biology, emphasizing the importance of observations, inferences, and controlled experiments. It details the steps of the scientific method, the formulation of hypotheses, and the distinction between independent and dependent variables. Additionally, it discusses data collection, display methods, and the difference between scientific laws and theories.

Uploaded by

rohitcarway
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Experimental Design

Biology 1
Observation vs Inference
Observation: Use of your senses to gather data
Inference: Logical Interpretation of prior knowledge or an experience
Controlled Experiment
What is it? An experiment that scientists use
where all the variables are kept constant
except for one
Involves two groups
1. Experimental group - one variable is
changed
2. Control group - normal conditions - group
used for comparison (no variables
changed)
Experiments
Every experiment, no matter how unique, share certain
characteristics WITH all others. They all must have:
1. Problem/Question
2. Variables
Steps of Scientific Method
1. Identify a problem
2. Ask a question
3. Conduct Research
4. Construct a Hypothesis
5. Create a procedure and
conduct an experiment
6. Analyze Data
7. Draw Conclusions
8. Accept or Refute hypothesis
Asking Scientific Questions
To ask a scientific question, you must first identify a problem
When asking the question, it must be measurable and testable.

Example: Which of the following questions would be more


effective?
1. Which is better a bike or a car?
2. Which is faster a bike or a car?
Forming a hypothesis
A proposed scientific explanation for an observation and is
testable

Format:
If (independent variable), then (dependent variable),
because _____________
Lab variables Independent
Variable
Dependent
Variable
Constants

1. Independent Variable (IV) - The factor that you are


testing/manipulating in the experiment = “CAUSE”
2. Dependent Variable (DV) - The factor that changes
because of the independent variable; it is what you
measure “EFFECT”
3. Constants - Variables that are the same for both the
control and experimental groups - variables that remain
the same throughout the experiment
Practice
Mr. Smith wanted to see if the color of light shined on a plant had an
effect on the number of leaves it had. He gathered two groups of the same
species of plants, gave them the same amount of water, and did the test
for the same amount of time. One of the plant groups was given white
light. On the second group he changed the color of light to red.

Independent Variable: _________________________________


Dependent Variable: __________________________
Constants: ________________________
Experimental Group: _____________________________
Multiple
Trials
- It is necessary to repeat an experiment at least 2 times -
if you get the same results over and over, then your
results are considered “reliable”
- If you conduct the trial once, you don’t take into account
any error
- Sample sizes should always be large to ensure that your
data is accurate
Drawing a Conclusion
- Use evidence (data) to determine if hypothesis
was supported or refuted
- For your hypothesis to be supported, multiple
trials must have consistent data to show support
- If your hypothesis is refuted/rejected, then you
can rewrite the hypothesis and run the experiment
again
Collecting Data
Quantitative - data that deals with numbers (time,
temperature, length, mass, etc)
Qualitative - data that deals with observations,
descriptions, drawings (written data)
Displaying Data
Table
- Independent Variable -
first column
- Dependent variable -
second column
- If more than two columns,
multiple variables could
have been measured
Displaying Data
Graph
- All graphs must have:
- Title (DV vs IV)
- Label on each axis
- Unit on each axis marked with equal increments
- DRY MIX
- D = Dependent M = Manipulated
- R = Response I = Independent
- Y = Y-axis X = X-axis
Types of Graph
1. Line Graph - shows change between two variables -
typically change over time
2. Bar Graph - show comparison (deals with number values)
a. Allows for an observer to see least/most common result in an
experiment
3. Pie Graph - show parts of a whole or percentages
a. Allows for comparison between one item and the results as a
whole
What was the number of bacteria after 6 hours?
What can we conclude about the number of bacteria
over time?
What is the dependent variable?
Which animal had the least number of species?
What is the independent variable?
What was the third highest chemical producers?
Scientific Law vs Theory
LAW - Describes what happens in nature but does
not explain why.
● Usually expressed as a mathematical formula
● Ex: Newton’s Law of Gravity, Gas Laws
THEORY - Explains why things happen
● Tested by many observations and experiments
and must be repeatable
● Makes predictions about the natural world
● Ex: Theory of Evolution
SKIP THE FOLLOWING SLIDES UNTIL I RETURN!
Use the following data to construct a graph. Choose the right type! Let's do this together to
make sure we get it!

Data Set #1: Time it takes 12 fl oz of each drink to melt when frozen

Coca Cola - 24 minutes Orange Juice - 34 minutes Water - 36 minutes

Powerade - 38 minutes Milk - 39 minutes

Data #2: Average price of gasoline per gallon in US, 2004:

Jan - $1.59 Feb - $1.67 Mar - $1.77 Apr - $1.83

May - $2.01 Jun - $2.04 Jul - $1.93 Aug - $1.89

Sep- $1.88 Oct - $ 2.03 Nov - $2.01 Dec - $1.87

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