Biology Module 1: Scientific Method and Hypothesis

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Questions and Answers

Which type of reasoning uses a general rule to reach a specific conclusion?

  • Intuitive reasoning
  • Inductive reasoning
  • Abductive reasoning
  • Deductive reasoning (correct)

Which type of reasoning is most associated with everyday problem solving?

  • Analytical reasoning
  • Inductive reasoning
  • Abductive reasoning (correct)
  • Deductive reasoning

In the example 'All Chinese like rice; Mr. Lee is Chinese; therefore Mr. Lee likes rice', what type of reasoning is being used?

  • Inductive reasoning
  • Analogical reasoning
  • Abductive reasoning
  • Deductive reasoning (correct)

Which type of reasoning is characterized by moving from specific observations to a general principle or rule?

<p>Inductive reasoning (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the conclusion of abductive reasoning?

<p>The most plausible explanation from incomplete observations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The example 'Grass is wet, therefore it probably rained' demonstrates which type of reasoning?

<p>Abductive reasoning (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a statistician when conducting hypothesis testing?

<p>To use statistical tests to assess the claims (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of Inductive reasoning?

<p>The cat is black; therefore all cats are black (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a hypothesis in the scientific method?

<p>To propose a testable statement predicting relationships between variables. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a prediction in the context of scientific inquiry?

<p>A statement about cause and effect expected from a hypothesis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the provided examples, what serves as the independent variable in slug and cabbage experiment?

<p>The application of garlic powder. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the control group in the slug and cabbage experiment?

<p>To serve as a baseline for comparison by not being exposed to the independent variable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a hypothesis to be testable?

<p>To allow for the design of experiments which can support or disprove it. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would be a suitable next step if the experimental results support the initial hypothesis about garlic deterring slugs?

<p>Refine the hypothesis further with specific tests related to garlic properties, and try other garlic related plants of the <em>Allium</em> genus. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the relationship between a hypothesis and a prediction?

<p>A hypothesis is a broad statement, and a prediction is a specific testable outcome based on the hypothesis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the scientific method, what role do assumptions play?

<p>They are premises already known that helps in hypothesis testing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Deductive reasoning

A reasoning approach that starts with a general rule to reach a specific conclusion.

Inductive reasoning

A reasoning approach that uses specific observations to form a general principle.

Abductive reasoning

A reasoning approach that seeks the best explanation for incomplete observations.

Hypothesis testing

A method used to determine the validity of claims based on statistical tests following a hypothesis.

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Major premise

The initial general statement used in deductive reasoning to establish a conclusion.

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Sub-premise

A supporting statement in deductive reasoning that connects the major premise to the conclusion.

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Conclusion (Deductive)

The final decision derived directly from the major and sub-premises in deductive reasoning.

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Conclusion (Inductive)

A probable general statement formed at the end of inductive reasoning based on specific observations.

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Scientific Method

A systematic process for empirical problem-solving used by scientists.

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Hypothesis

A testable statement predicting relationships between variables.

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Prediction

A statement about expected outcomes based on a hypothesis.

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Assumption

An accepted property that supports hypothesis testing.

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Independent Variable

The factor manipulated in an experiment to test its effect.

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Dependent Variable

The outcome measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.

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Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that is exposed to the independent variable.

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Control Group

The group in an experiment that is not exposed to the independent variable.

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Study Notes

Biology & Engineering Approaches

  • Module 1 covers foundational concepts

Scientific Method

  • A detailed, empirical problem-solving process used by biologists and other scientists
  • Steps in the scientific method:
    • Asking a question
    • Formulating a hypothesis
    • Designing experiments
    • Logical reasoning
    • Testing the hypothesis
    • Formulating a theory

What is a Hypothesis?

  • A testable statement that predicts relationships between variables
  • Based on existing theories and knowledge
  • Serves as a foundation for testing and validation
  • Includes:
    • Prediction: Statement about cause and effect
    • Assumption: Known property that frameworks testing
    • Example: Red roses and honeybees
      • Hypothesis: Red roses attract honeybees
      • Prediction: More roses means more bees
      • Assumption: Bees equally attracted to all rose colors

Example: Slug and Cabbage

  • Observation: Slugs damage cabbages, but not those near garlic plants
  • Questions: Can garlic deter slugs?
  • Hypothesis: Garlic deters slugs
  • Prediction: Cabbages near garlic will have less damage
  • Experiment design:
    • Independent variable: Garlic powder
    • Dependent variable: Number of slugs on cabbages
    • Experimental group: Exposed to garlic
    • Control group: Not exposed to garlic
  • Data Analysis and Conclusion: Data are collected and analyzed to determine if garlic deters slugs

Reasoning to Generate & Test Hypotheses

  • Deductive reasoning: Theory → Hypothesis → Observation → Confirmation
  • Inductive reasoning: Observation → Pattern → Hypothesis → Theory (probabilistic)
  • Abductive reasoning: Observation → Inference/Assumption → Hypothesis (best guess, probabilistic)
  • Example reasoning types:
    • Deductive: All Chinese like rice, Mr. Lee is Chinese → Mr. Lee likes rice
    • Inductive: Every crow I've seen can fly → All crows can fly
    • Abductive: Grass is wet → It probably rained

Hypothesis Testing

  • Statisticians use statistical tests to evaluate claims
  • Process involves evaluating data from a sample
  • Decides whether sufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis
  • Types of hypothesis tests: right-tailed, left-tailed, and two-tailed
  • Incorrect hypotheses might be due to chance occurrences (low probability)

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