1. Scientific Methods
Science in Practice

2. What is Science? Write a paragraph to complete 1 of the
following statements: (5 mins)
I have previously studied science and some of the main ideas I remember are…
I have come across science topics in the media and the main things about it are…
I have learned through conducting science that it has to include…

3. What is Science? Process A way to answer questions
Accumulation of evidence that increases the level of confidence in our ideas
Scientific Methods – the important and basic features all scientific practice

4. Science is… Systematic Gathering knowledge / evidence
Involves reasoning:
Induction or Deduction
Organized into testable laws (theories)
Ideas that can be replicated by others
An open exchange of data and methods

5. Two Sciences Pure Science – Basic research
Research done to gain knowledge
Explain How and Why things happen
Applied Science – Technology
Research has applications
Addresses needs or problems in society
Impacts human lives
Science cannot answer all questions or solve all problems.

6. 1. What is being tested in this experiment. 2
1. What is being tested in this experiment? 2. How could you improve the setup?
Food
No Food

7. Good Science
Hypotheses that are repeatedly tested and supported – Theories
How science is evaluated
Primary literature
Peer-reviewed
Secondary literature
Subset of the primary literature
Interpreted
Affected by editorial decisions

8. Predictions A guess of what will happen Based on what has happened
Scientists use predictions to guide and organize research - Hypothesis.
Based on chance
The likelihood something will happen.

9. Scientific Methods Steps used in the practice of science Observations
Questioning
Hypothesis
Testing
Conclusions

10. Scientific Methods Step 1: Observations Watching and Taking Note
Specific events

11. Scientific Methods Step 2: Questioning A problem or gap in knowledge
Limited and accessible

12. Scientific Methods Step 3: Hypothesis
A testable, falsifiable statement
Answers problem question

13. Scientific Methods Step 4: Testing Design Experiment Collect Data
Experiment: Situations designed to assess specific ideas
Manipulated situations » Controlled experiments
Careful observations » Naturalistic experiments

14. Scientific Methods Step 5: Conclusions Summarize results in data
Information that can be used to evaluate hypotheses
Analyze the data
Careful review of the results
Do they support your hypothesis?
Do they reject your hypothesis?
Do they lead to more questions?

15. Controlled Experiments
Only one condition is changed at a time
Compares a baseline to a manipulated group
Involves two groups:
Experimental Group – receives the treatment or experimental test
Control Group – receives no experimental treatment or test

16. Experimental Variables
Control:
Stay constant throughout all situations
If there are differences in different situations, it is NOT due to the controls

17. Experimental Variables
Independent variable (IV):
The condition being tested
Factor that affects the outcome
The investigator manipulates it
If you are controlling it, it’s the IV.

18. Experimental Variables
Dependent variable (DV):
The condition being observed or measured
Changes in it result from changes in the independent variable.
If you are observing it for change, you are not controlling it; it DEPENDS on something, so it is the DV.