The Inquiry Process Biology 2014 The Scientific Method The Inquiry Process Biology 2014

Some Examples of Science Childbed Fever Case Study A quick experiment (bbt) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7sSuhQ1_24 Semmelweis, part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6-FjtpdePA&list=UUcU30z0_rIGAerTkLaxpctQ

Steps of the Scientific Method Problem Background Hypothesis Experiment Analysis Conclusion

Steps of the Scientific Method Problem What we are curious about Based on previous info Question includes mv & rv Identify the variables (1 manipulated, 1 responding & 3+ controlled) TESTABLE QUESTION: How does changing the ____MV____ affect the ____ RV ____?

Variables 1 Manipulated variable (aka independent variable): the condition that is changed on purpose 1 Responding variable (aka dependent variable): the measured response 3+ Controlled variables: what stays the same throughout the experiment Shouldn’t include the mv or rv

An Issue with Control Same word, two different concepts… Controlled variables: variables that stay constant through the experiment Control group: the mv that is without the mv OR the most “normal”. Acts as a baseline so that you can compare all of your other results to it

Steps of the Scientific Method 2. Background Learn what is already known about the problem Science behind the subject How to carry out procedures Finding out what experiments have already been conducted and their results

An Issue with Control Same word, two different concepts… Controlled variables: variables that stay constant through the experiment Control group: the mv that is without the mv OR the most “normal”. Acts as a baseline so that you can compare all of your other results to it

Steps of the Scientific Method 3. Hypothesis If = mv, then = what would happen to the rv, because = your rationale. If the mv can increase because it is an amount If the ____MV____ increases then the ____ RV ____ will increase / decrease / stay the same because ___give your reasoning here___.

Steps of the Scientific Method 3. Hypothesis If the mv changes by type… If the ____MV____ changes then the ____ RV ____ will be highest with _______ and lowest with ________ because ___give your reasoning here___.

Steps of the Scientific Method Experiment Materials & Methods (mv) Collect data (rv) Methods to prevent errors & minimize doubt (cvs)

Steps of the Scientific Method Analysis Report data Determine high and low values Organize data in a graph

Steps of the Scientific Method 6. Conclusion Answer the problem using DATA Explain & give meaning to data / relationship between mv and rv Next steps & application

Steps of the Scientific Method Discuss errors Find two aspects of the experiment that caused errors in your data How did they impact the results How could those errors be minimized in the future? There are ALWAYS sources of error in experiments!!!!

Conclusion Restate problem / hypothesis (direct or paraphrase) Make a claim about the problem / hypothesis (support, disproof or inconclusive) Sufficient (2 or more data points for comparison) evidence used to justify claim Data values are from derived / calculated values Data values include units Justification of why/how data supports claim Alternative ideas or claim presented Argument made about data fitting claim better than possible alternative(s) Two or more weaknesses/errors/uncertainties detailed Method for controlling weaknesses/errors/uncertainties detailed Impact of weaknesses on data set identified New experimental question / hypothesis stated Writing style appropriately formal & objective (avoid personal references, i.e. “I,” “my,” “we”)

Feynman’s explanation of the scientific method: Semmelweis, part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T73PYNyyeiI Feynman’s explanation of the scientific method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYPapE-3FRw

Observation vs. Inference What is the difference between an observation and an inference? When should you document observations in a lab write-up compared to an inference?

Observation vs. Inference Observations are made using your 5 senses DATA Examples: a red shirt, a flat & smooth surface, 2:20pm Inferences are conclusions that you make, based on your observations ANALYSIS  CONCLUSION Examples: a person likes red because they are wearing a red shirt; a toy car will run smoothly because it is on a flat & smooth surface; school is out because it is 2:20pm

Two Types of Observations Quantitative observations: results are measureable and are made with instruments such as rulers, balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, and thermometers. Examples: 100°C 17 people 54 grapes 9.65 cm

Two Types of Observations Qualitative observations: results are made by using your senses (sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing). Examples: The flame is blue It smells like lemon It feels rough That was a soft thud It tastes sweet

Practice!!! Indicate whether the following observations are quantitative or qualitative. It is light green in color. It taste sour. One leaf is 9 cm long. It makes a loud pop sound. The mass of the computer is 1 1/2 kg. It smells sweet. The temperature of the room increases by 8 degrees C. It gets darker over a period of time. The flower clusters in 3 blooms. The plant is short. Leaves are brittle. The veins are 3 mm wide. http://teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/pocahontas/obrien_s/pdfs/8Lqualitativevsquan.pdf

Testable Question How does the ____MV____ affect the ____ RV ____?

Variables 1 Manipulated variable: the condition that is changed on purpose 1 Responding variable: the results of the change (needs to be measurable) 3+ Controlled variables: what stays the same throughout the experiment Shouldn’t include the mv or rv

Variables Manipulated: Responding: Controlled: Variations of m.v. (at least 4) Responding: Controlled:

Hypothesis If the ____MV____ increases then the ____ RV ____ will increase / decrease / stay the same because ___give your reasoning here___.

Experiment Materials Methods Give a detailed list of the items used Include how much / many and sizes used Methods Explain each step of the process thoroughly and clearly Establish which mv variation will act as your experimental control / baseline Describe how you will keep all of the c.v.s constant throughout the experiment Get my initials on your paper before you conduct the experiment!!!

An Issue with Control Same word, two different concepts… Controlled variables: variables that stay constant through the experiment Control group: the mv that is without the mv OR the most “normal”. Acts as a baseline so that you can compare all of your other results to it

Experimental Control Group Purpose: to get a baseline so you can compare all of your other results to it How do we determine the EC??? Start by identifying the MV Figure out the variations of the MV Then…

Experimental Control Group Questions to ask to determine the EC: Can you have NONE of the MV and without harming / killing your test subject and still get results? If YES, that is your EC! If NO… What is the most “normal” condition of your MV?

A Controlled Experiment KNOW THIS!!! A controlled experiment should have: Only ONE manipulated variable to determine its impact on the RV Experiment with properly controlled variables so that only the MV changes An experimental control to compare all of your other results to

Data m.v. variations Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 1 tsp. of soap

Analysis Calculate the average diameter for each test. Create a graph, showing the results from your experiment Put the m.v.’s on the x-axis, label & include units Put the r.v.’s on the y-axis, label & include units Title the graph “The effect of different ___MV___ on the ___ RV ___” Plot your data

Conclusion Restate problem (direct or paraphrase) Support or reject hypothesis Make a relationship statement between the MV and the RV… ANSWER THE QUESTION!!! Refer to key data (use at least two items for comparison) Discuss errors (at least 2… they DO exist!!!) How did each error impact the results? How could those errors be minimized in the future? Next steps & application How can these findings be applied to real life? What question would you present to be answered in a future experiment, based on what you learned or what sparked your interest from this investigation?

Conclusion Restate problem (direct or paraphrase) Support or reject hypothesis Make a relationship statement between the MV and the RV… ANSWER THE QUESTION!!! Refer to key data (use at least two items for comparison) Discuss errors (at least 2… they DO exist!!!) How did each error impact the results? How could those errors be minimized in the future? Next steps & application How can these findings be applied to real life? What question would you present to be answered in a future experiment, based on what you learned or what sparked your interest from this investigation?

A Controlled Experiment KNOW THIS!!! A controlled experiment should have: Only ONE manipulated variable to determine its impact on the RV Experiment with properly controlled variables so that only the MV changes An experimental control to compare all of your other results to

Field Study What is a Field Study? A field study refers to research that is undertaken in the real world, where the confines of a laboratory setting are abandoned in favor of a natural setting Burrowing owl field study: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKSDAlll1Dc An article: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/09/0901_040901_owl_poop.html https://srmo.sagepub.com/view/encyc-of-research-design/n152.xml

Field Study Scenario Identify one independent variable Three conditions to be credited (3 areas) Identify one dependent variable What is being measured Include method for collecting data Imply a consistent sampling strategy “count at the same time every day” Steps of procedure are logical Record measurements How often, specific technique for recording measurements Record environmental conditions Temperature, weather, etc. Repeat trials Multiple measurements, 3 sampling areas

Controlled Experiments vs Field Studies Controlled Experiments AND Field Studies both include… Testable Question (1 mv & 1 rv) Background research / information Hypothesis Experiment (Materials, Methods, Data collection) Analysis Conclusion

Field Research Limitations Possible Solutions Constraints (excluding cost) Unintended consequences AWESOME video of unintended consequences with reintroduction of wolves: http://themetapicture.com/when-they-brought-these-wolves/

Unintended Consequences Article about unintended consequences, “A Weed, a Fly, a Mouse”: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/04/science/04mice.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 AWESOME video of unintended consequences with reintroduction of wolves: http://themetapicture.com/when-they-brought-these-wolves/

Controlled Experiments vs Field Studies Field Study Indoors Observations take place in controlled lab environment Record rv data Controlled variables Sources of error in experimental design Outdoors Observations take place in natural, uncontrolled environment Record environmental conditions AND rv data Variables that are difficult / impossible to control Unintended consequences