SCIENTIFIC METHOD
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Presentation Transcript
Scientific Method • Developed by Galan in 2nd Century A.D. • Series of steps followed by scientists to solve problems
Observation You notice something about the natural world
DEFINE PROBLEM (ask a question) State the problem in the form of a question to be answered
RESEARCH PROBLEM • Making more observations, • Make initial measurements (quantitative) • Collect information from different sources
HYPOTHESIS • Form a hypothesis – an if/then statement. • Make an educated prediction to answer the question • Experiment are performed to test the hypothesis which may be supported or refuted.
EXPERIMENT • Test the hypothesis. • Controlled experiment based on the comparison of a control group and an experimental group • Control: a standard for comparison Other things to consider: • Sample size? • Repetition
VARIABLES • A Variables is any factor that may influence the experiment • Only ONE variable may be tested at a time. • Kinds of Variables : • Constants: stay the same • Independent variable:the manipulated variable (I change) • Dependent variable: the factor that is being measured or controlled during the experiment.
DATA COLLECTION Observe and record data from experiment.
CONCLUSIONS • Draw conclusions by inferring a resolution based on the facts. • Determine whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted.
REPORTING • Accurately report research methods, results and conclusions • Communication methods: • make a presentation, • publish in a journal • share data with other scientists verbally.
THEORY • A hypothesis that is supported byexperimental evidence over a long period of time • Scientific explanations are based on fact and observation not superstition or fiction.
KINDS OF RESEARCH • Pure Science - for sake of knowledge • Applied Science (technology) - research to solve practical problems; practical use of acquire knowledge • Quantitative - numerical involves measuring • Qualitative – descriptive: color, texture etc
SCIENCE AND SOCIETY • Bioethics - the study of what is right and wrong and morality of choices related to biological issues • 1. evolution - creationism vs. evolutionism • 2. genetic engineering - how far can we go? how far should we go? • 3. AIDS - education, prevention, treatment • 4. abortion - as a means of saving a life, a means of contraception • Based on opinion. • Society decides what is considered ethical.