Methods of Scientific Inquiry Ch 1.3 Course Overview

IV. Two main forms of inquiry are used in science. A. Definitions: 1. Science- (Latin) “to know” 2. Inquiry- seeking information, explanations, or the means to solve a problem B. Two kinds of Inquiry are used in science. 1. Discovery science 2. Hypothesis based science

C. Discovery Science 1. Discovery science- describes natural structures & processes a. based on observation & analysis of data 2. Data- recorded observations or items of information 3. Types of Data- 2 types a. Qualitative- descriptive information like color or shape (no numbers) b. Quantitative- recorded measurements often organized into tables and graphs 4. Inductive reasoning- draws conclusions by induction a. induction makes logical generalizations based on repeated, specific observations ex. A fire gives off heat whether it is from a match, fire, or candle.

D. Hypothesis based science 1. Hypothesis- a proposed answer to a well framed question or a reasonable and testable explanation to an observed phenomenon. 2. What makes a good hypothesis? a. It makes predictions to be tested by observation or experiment. (Value judgments such as “best” can’t.) b. It is concise- only one thing can be tested at a time c. It must be testable and falsifiable d. Failure to falsify a hypothesis doesn’t disprove it 3. Hypotheses use deductive reasoning 4. Hypothesis-based science may test more that hypothesis in successive experiments.

E. Deductive reasoning 1. Deductive reasoning- using general premises to make specific predictions; it evaluates deductive arguments 2. Deductive arguments- tries to show that a particular conclusion must be reached if set of premises are true. 3. Deduction- is based on the “if…..then….” type of reasoning seen in hypothesis based science. 4. For a deductive argument to be valid, the conclusion must naturally follow from the premises. 5. For a deductive argument to be sound, both premises must be true. 6. Deductive arguments must be accepted if they are both sound & valid. They are never proved or disproved.

F. The Scientific Method 1. The scientific method is a multistep process used to test hypotheses and solve problems. 2. The steps are 1. Identify a problem 2. Do preliminary observations and research 3. Form a hypothesis (make a prediction) 4. Design an experiment to test the hypothesis 5. Run the experiment and gather & analyze data 6. Draw a conclusion- is the hypothesis accepted or rejected? 7. Retest to conform results 8. Communicate results & conclusions

G. Designing a controlled experiment 1. Controlled experiment- an experiment that compares a control group with an experimental group. 2. It must have: a. Control group- group that is used to cancel out the effects of unwanted variables- is not exposed to the independent variable b. Experimental group– exposed to all the same conditions as the control group plus the independent variable. c. Independent variable- a condition that the scientist changes deliberately (to test) d. Dependant variable- data, results, these occur because of the independent variable. e. Data Analysis- Before collecting data, how will you analyze it?

H. Theories in science 1. In the context of science, a theory is broader in scope than a hypothesis 2. General and may lead to new testable hypotheses 3. Supported by a large body of evidence I. Building Models in Science 1. Models are representations of natural phenomena that can take the form of: a. diagrams b. three dimensional objects c. computer programs d. mathematical models

J. Limitations of science 1. Limitations of the scientific method a. Hypothesis-based research doesn’t always go strictly by the sequence of the “scientific method.” b. Discovery science has significantly added to our knowledge. c. Hypothesis-based research can be used to support or refute what is learned in discovery science. 2. Limitations of science a. Observations and experimental results must be repeatable. b. Science cannot support or refute supernatural explanations because these are beyond the ability of science to test or measure.

K. Culture & communications in science 1. Scientists usually work in teams 2. Good communication shares information & results with the science community. 3. Communications can be in the form on seminars, publications, websites, personal communications, etc. L.Science, Technology, & Society 1. Science attempts to understand natural phenomena 2. Technology applies scientific knowledge for a specific purpose 3. The two are interdependent 4. New discoveries in science & technology affect society. 5. Ethical issues can arise concerning the application of new technologies. Thoughtful consideration must be given to decisions about how to use technology.

Questions: 9. Differentiate discovery based science from hypothesis based science. 10. How does deductive reasoning differ from inductive reasoning? Give an example of each. 11. What is a theory? How is it different from a hypothesis? 12. What give some examples of the kinds of models we use in science. 13. How is science limited? 14. Name and identify the “sides” in one ethical issue raised by the technology available to us now.