1. The Inquiry Process Biology 2014
The Scientific Method
The Inquiry Process
Biology 2014

2. Some Examples of Science
Childbed Fever Case Study
A quick experiment (bbt)
Semmelweis, part 1:

3. Steps of the Scientific Method
Problem
Background
Hypothesis
Experiment
Analysis
Conclusion

4. 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 ____?

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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___.

10. 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___.

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

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

13. 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

14. 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!!!!

15. 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”)

16. Feynman’s explanation of the scientific method:
Semmelweis, part 2:
Feynman’s explanation of the scientific method:

17. 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?

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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.

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

23. 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

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

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

26. 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!!!

27. 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

28. 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…

29. 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?

30. 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

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

32. 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

33. 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?

34. 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?

35. 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

36. 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:
An article:

37. 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

38. 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

39. Field Research Limitations
Possible Solutions
Constraints (excluding cost)
Unintended consequences
AWESOME video of unintended consequences with reintroduction of wolves:

40. Unintended Consequences
Article about unintended consequences, “A Weed, a Fly, a Mouse”:
AWESOME video of unintended consequences with reintroduction of wolves:

41. 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