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Introduction to Biology
What is the Scientific Method?
Scientific Method:
A logical, systematic way to solve problems
What does “systematic” mean?
6 Steps1. Observe/State the Problem2. Gather Information3. Hypothesis4. Experiment (or test)5. Analyze Results6. Conclude
Observations
• Can be Qualitative or Quantitative
Qualitative: characteristics (color, texture, smell, shape, etc)Quantitative: numbers/you can count
Examples:
Qualitative:I see yellow, fuzzy ducklings.The milk is foamy and has a sour smell.
Quantitative:There are 42 geese in the flock.
Hypothesis
Must Be:Measureable (can you test it?)Can be verified or falsifiedMakes a prediction (about outcome)
Why is this a BAD hypothesis?
1. Dogs are happy when you feed them steak?
2. There are planets in other solar systems that have life.
3. Cows produce more milk if you feed them 3 times per day and play classical music to them while eating.
Why is this a GOOD hypothesis?
1. Five milligrams of calcium per day will give mice stronger bones.
2. Cedar trees grow best in nitrogen-poor soil.
Good Experimental Design:
A well designed experiment will have:Control Group: does NOT get the test;
does NOT change
Test Group: DOES get the test; DOES change
Variables
Types of Variables
Independent Variable: the variable that you PURPOSEFULLY change or manipulate
Dependent Variable: the response that occurs due to the independent variable;is what you MEASURE
Controlled Variables
or Controls or Controlled Factorsare those elements in the experiment that DO NOT CHANGE
Let’s Practice
Look at Board!