1. Scientific Method

2. THE PROCESS OF SCIENCE
Scientists use two main approaches to learn about nature
Science
Is a way of knowing
Seeks natural causes for natural phenomena
Discovery Science
Hypothesis Based Science

3. Discovery Science
Scientists describe some aspect of the world and use inductive reasoning to draw general conclusions

4. Hypothesis-Based Science
Hypothesis-Based Science
Scientists attempt to explain observations by testing hypotheses

5. Hypothesis-based science involves
Observations, questions, hypotheses as tentative answers to questions
Deductions leading to predictions, and then tests of predictions to see if a hypothesis is falsifiable

6. Preliminary explanation to problem
Hypothesis
Questions or statements that are testable through experimentation or observation
If - then format
Preliminary explanation to problem

7. Observations
Question
Hypothesis # 1:
Dead batteries
Hypothesis # 2:
Burnt-out bulb
Prediction:
Replacing batteries
will fix problem
Replacing bulb
Test prediction
Test falsifies hypothesis
Test does not falsify hypothesis

8. Tests the predictions made by a hypothesis Double Blind Controlled
Experiment
Tests the predictions made by a hypothesis
Double Blind
Controlled

9. Researchers do not know which subject is receiving the actual drug
Double Blind Test
One group receives the drug to be tested; One group receives the placebo
Researchers do not know which subject is receiving the actual drug
Eliminates the bias that may influence the results

10. Controlled Experiment
Experiment isolates a single factor that is directly responsible for an effect.

11. Condition in the experiment that differs
Variable
Condition in the experiment that differs

12. Independent Variable: Variable that is independent of experiment
pH, time, temperature
Dependent Variable:
What you are testing
Dependent of results of experiment

13. Control
Provides a standard of comparison for the one factor in the experiment that varies

14. Hypothesis-Based Science
A Case Study of
Hypothesis-Based Science
In experiments designed to test hypotheses
The use of control groups and experimental groups helps to control variables
Percent of total attacks
on artificial snakes
100 80 60 40 20
83%
17%
16%
84%
Artificial king snakes
Artificial brown snakes
Coral snakes
absent
present
Figure 1.8B
Figure 1.8C
Figure 1.8D
Figure 1.8E

15. Concept Check
Not all science discoveries strictly follow the “scientific method”. Which of the following would best be described as discovery science?
Sequencing the human genome.
Describing a new bird species from the Philippines.
A project to find preserved specimens of the probably extinct Rocky Mountain locust frozen in glaciers .
All of the above.

16. Answer
Not all science discoveries strictly follow the “scientific method”. Which of the following would best be described as discovery science?
All of the above.

17. Interpreting Data
These two snakes look remarkably similar to each other. The coral snake (right) is very poisonous to vertebrates. Hypotheses:
H1: The coral snake’s bright color pattern serves to warn off potential predators.
H2: The king snake suffers less predation because it mimics or looks like the coral snake.
H3: The protection that king snakes receive by mimicking coral snake will depend on the presence of coral snakes.

18. Interpreting Data
A team of scientists designed an investigation that used artificial snakes to test the previous hypotheses.
Which of the previous hypotheses are supported by the results displayed at the right?
H1: The coral snake’s bright color pattern serves to warn off potential predators.
H2: The the king snake suffers less predation because it mimics or looks like the coral snake.
H3: The protection that king snakes receive by mimicking coral snake will depend on the presence of coral snakes.
Both 1 and 2

19. Answer
A team of scientists designed an investigation that used artificial snakes to test the previous hypotheses.
Which of the previous hypotheses are supported by the results displayed at the right?
Both 1 and 2

20. Interpreting Data
Biologists placed artificial snake mimics in two different localities to test the hypothesis that looking like a poisonous snake only works where the poisonous snake is found:
Outside of the coral snake range—only king snakes present.
Inside the coral snake range—both coral and king snakes are present.

21. Interpreting Data
The data graphed at the right __________ the hypothesis that the effectiveness of mimic coloration depends upon the presence of the poisonous model is:
supports
does not support
is irrelevant to

22. Answer
The data graphed at the right __________ the hypothesis that the effectiveness of mimic coloration depends upon the presence of the poisonous model is:
supports

23. Interpreting Data
Based on this data which of the following is a logical hypothesis or prediction?
King snakes outside of the range of coral snakes will more closely resemble coral snakes than populations of king snake living within the range of coral .
King snakes outside of the range of coral snakes will not resemble coral snakes as closely as populations of king snakes that live within the range coral snakes.
Neither prediction is valid.

24. Answer
Based on this data which of the following is a logical hypothesis or prediction?
King snakes outside of the range of coral snakes will not resemble coral snakes as closely as populations of king snakes that live within the range coral snakes.