4 - Methods in the Study of Biology

Biology 1 Topic 4- Methods in the Study

of Biology

1

Topic 4- Methods in the Study of Biology

This handout is for lecture use only and not for commercial reproduction and

distribution.

Methods in the Study of Biology

Scientific inquiry is used to ask and answer questions about nature

The word science is derived from a Latin verb meaning to know. Science is a way of knowing.

Scientists

use inductive reasoning to draw general conclusions from many observations and

deductive reasoning to come up with ways to test a hypothesis, a proposed explanation for a set of observations.The logic flows from general premises to the specific results we should expect if the premises are true.

2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

The Scientific Method

Inductive Reasoning

Discovering general principles through examination of specific cases.

The Nature of Science


The Nature of Science

Deductive Reasoning

Examining individual cases by applying accepted general principles.

Mathematics

Philosophy

Politics

1.8 Scientific inquiry is used to ask and answer questions about nature

How is a theory different from a hypothesis? A scientific theory is

much broader in scope than a hypothesis,

usually general enough to generate many new, specific hypotheses, which can then be tested, and

supported by a large and usually growing body of evidence.



of Biology

2

1.9 Scientists form and test hypotheses and share their results

We solve everyday problems by using hypotheses.

A common example would be the reasoning we use to answer the question, Why doesnt a flashlight work?

Using deductive reasoning we realize that the problem is either (1) the bulb or (2) the batteries.

Further, a hypothesis must be

testable and

falsifiable.

In this example, two hypotheses are tested. 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 1.9A_s1

Observation

Question

Hypothesis 1:

Dead batteries

Hypothesis 2:Burned-out bulb

Figure 1.9A_s2

Observation

Question

Hypothesis 1:

Dead batteries


Prediction: Prediction:

Replacing batteries

will fix problem.

Replacing bulb

will fix problem.

Experiment: Experiment:

Test prediction by

replacing batteries.

Test prediction by

replacing bulb.

Figure 1.9A_s3

Test falsifies

hypothesis. Revise

hypothesis or

pose new one.

Observation

Question

Hypothesis 1:

Dead batteries


Prediction: Prediction:

Replacing batteries

will fix problem.

Replacing bulb

will fix problem.

Experiment: Experiment:

Test prediction by

replacing batteries.

Test prediction by

replacing bulb.

Test does not

falsify hypothesis.

Make additional

predictions and

test them.


Scientific Process

Observation - Careful observation of a process or phenomenon

Hypothesis - Guess concerning the observation

May generate multiple hypotheses.

Prediction - Expected consequences of a correct hypothesis

Experiment - Test of a hypothesis


Scientific Process

Experiment - Test of a hypothesis

Controlled Experiment - All factors influencing the experiment (controls) must be kept constant.

Conclusion - Draw a conclusion from the results

Reject or fail to reject hypothesis


of Biology

3

Theory and Certainty

Theory - set of hypotheses that have been thoroughly tested over time, and generally accepted by the scientific community

acceptance is always provisional

to the general public a theory is synonymous with a guess due to lack of knowledge



Limitations of Science

Scientific study is limited to area that can be observed and measured.

Cannot be used to address all questions.

Bound by practical limits

Temporal and spatial considerations

1.9 Scientists form and test hypotheses and share their results

Science is a social activity with most scientists working in teams.

Scientists share information in many ways.

Science seeks natural causes for natural phenomena.


1.10 CONNECTION: Biology, technology, and society are connected in important ways

Many issues facing society are related to biology. Most involve our expanding technology.

The basic goals of science and technology differ.

The goal of science is to understand natural phenomena.

The goal of technology is to apply scientific knowledge for some specific purpose.


Documents

4 - Methods in the Study of Biology