1. Chapter 1
Science methods

2. The process of science Science to gain knowledge – theoretical
Examples:
Science to apply knowledge – applied
Thought processes:
Deductive reasoning
general  specific
from a premise to a conclusion
example:
Inductive reasoning
specific  general
draw a conclusion based on specific observations

3. The all important steps…
Observation
Question
Hypothesis:
What we are going to test
Can perhaps be proven false… can’t be proven true
Prediction:
based on hypothesis
if…..(the hypothesis is true), then….. (this will be the result)
Experiment:
Carefully designed test of the hypothesis

4. Experimental Design Must have 2 groups – experimental and control
The control group does NOT receive the thing being tested – everything else is the same
Provides a clear basis for comparison
Allows researcher to determine if the difference was due to the variable being tested
Independent variable – what is being tested
Dependent variable – the result

5. Errors in science…
Inductive leap – extrapolating from known examples to unknown examples may give false generalizations
Bias – may skew the outcome in one particular direction
Sampling error – sample may not accurately represent the study set
Ethical issues – honesty, who is funding the research, impact on society, ‘the greater good’

6. From hypothesis to theory
A good theory:
Explains a wide range of observations
Has the support of numerous experiments
Predicts new facts or the possibility for new information
Has room for growth
Many people use the term theory, when what they mean is hypothesis…