The Scientific Method PDF

Lecture 2: The scientific method Andrea Botero Purpose of Science Science is constantly asking questions based on observations Science seeks explanations of natural phenomena What makes science unique from other ways of describing and explaining nature? Scient...

Lecture 2: The scientific method Andrea Botero Purpose of Science Science is constantly asking questions based on observations Science seeks explanations of natural phenomena What makes science unique from other ways of describing and explaining nature? Scientific method: “An empirical process that allows us to better understand the world around us” The Scientific Method 2.1 Form a hypothesis 2.2 Make predictions https://www.verywellmind.com/steps-of-the-scientific-method-2795782 The Scientific Method 1) Observation Gathering of information Recorded observations = data Data: Items of information on which scientific inquiry is based Qualitative: Descriptions Quantitative: Numerical measurement Allows to ask questions 2) Hypothesis forming and testing Hypothesis: A tentative answer to a well framed question. Rational account for a set of observations, based on the available data Must lead to testable predictions. Must be testable. There must be an experiment that can reveal if the idea is true or false Experiment: Involves manipulation of one factor to see the effect of its change Experimental and control groups differ in one factor The Scientific Method: Theories Scientific theory: Broader in scope than hypothesis General enough to spin off many, new specific hypotheses that can be tested Generally supported by much greater body of evidence Types of reasoning Inductive Deductive Theory Observation Pattern Hypothesis recognition Data Hypothesis Data analysis Experiment Conclusion Hypothesis acceptance or rejection The Scientific Method is Flexible https://undsci.berkeley.edu/understanding-science- 101/how-science-works/the-real-process-of-science/ The Scientific Method: Case study 1) Observation Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) The Scientific Method: Case study 1) Observation: Seasonal color molting 2) Ask a question Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) Why does the snowshoe hare undergoes seasonal color molting? The Scientific Method: Case study 3) Form a hypothesis Guess why the snowshoe hare undergo seasonal color molting Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) The Scientific Method: Case study 3) Form a hypothesis White hares are less preyed upon in winter than dark-colored hares, and vice versa in Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) summer. The Scientific Method: Case study 1) Observation 2) Ask a question(s) 3) Form a hypothesis 4) Make predictions Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) The Scientific Method: Case study 1) Observation 2) Ask a question(s) 3) Form a hypothesis 4) Make predictions If dark colored hares were released in winter, predation would be higher Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) on them as opposed to their white counterparts. The Scientific Method: Case study 1) Observation 2) Ask a question(s) 3) Form a hypothesis 4) Make predictions 5) Test hypothesis: Experiment Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) The Scientific Method: Case study 1) Observation 2) Ask a question(s) 3) Form a hypothesis 4) Make predictions 5) Test hypothesis: Experiment: Put models of dark colored and white hares during Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) winter and summer and quantify the attempts of predation on each scenario. The Scientific Method: Case study 1) Observation 3 0 2) Ask a question(s) 3) Form a hypothesis 1 3 4) Make predictions 5) Test hypothesis: Experiment Observation 6) Conclusion The Scientific Method 3 0 1) Observation 2) Ask a question(s) 1 3 3) Form a hypothesis 4) Make predictions 5) Test hypothesis: Experiment Observation 6) Conclusion: Dark-colored hares are preyed upon more often in winter, while white hares are preyed upon more often in summer. Therefore, seasonal color molting is a mechanism for camouflage that helps reduce predation. Types of reasoning: Hare example Hares change color in summer and Inductive winter Observation Hares are white in winter and dark- colored in summer Pattern recognition White hares are less preyed upon in winter than dark-colored hares Hypothesis Experiment Experiment The main function of seasonal color molting is camouflage to avoid Conclusion predation Types of reasoning: Hare example Animals that occupy temperate and polar Deductive regions have specialized such as seasonal color molting to avoid predation Theory White hares are less preyed upon in Hypothesis winter than dark-colored hares Experiment Experiment Snowshoe hares belong to the group of animals from temperate regions that undergo seasonal molting as a mechanism to avoid predation. Hypothesis acceptance or rejection Science dissemination Effective communication of scientific knowledge involves presenting research findings and discoveries in a clear, accessible, and meaningful way. Scientific community: Peer review papers Original Reviews Conferences Industry & policy makers Reports Public lecture Community Webinars News Social media Science dissemination Industry: Farmers, policy makers, Scientific community canola council, funding agencies Be aware of fake news and misinformation Scientific method: core principles Purpose: Investigates phenomena through empirical inquiry. Process: Comprises Observation, Observation, Questioning, Form a hypothesis, Make predictions, Test hypothesis(experiment and observation) and Conclusion Reasoning: Utilizes both Inductive (specific to general) and Deductive (general to specific) approaches. Adaptability: Evolves with new insights and discoveries. Communication: Involves sharing findings and addressing misinformation. Group Activity: Scientific Method 1. Form groups of approximately seven students each. 2. Discuss the provided observation 3. Brainstorm questions 4. Select one question and formulate a hypothesis 5. Make predictions based on the hypothesis 6. Design an experiment to test the hypothesis 7. Post your hypothesis, predictions, and experiment design on the mêskanâs forum 8. Review and comment on other groups’ posts Note: Be respectful in your discussions and posts.