Sections 2 and 3Sections 2 and 3

The Methods of BiologyThe Methods of Biology

The Nature of BiologyThe Nature of Biology

Chapter 1Chapter 1Biology: The Study of LifeBiology: The Study of Life

Review of the Scientific MethodReview of the Scientific Method

The scientific method is not a list of The scientific method is not a list of rules that must be followed but a rules that must be followed but a general guideline for scientific general guideline for scientific thought and procedures.thought and procedures.

ObservationObservation

Gathering information with the five Gathering information with the five senses.senses.

HypothesisHypothesis

An explanation for a problem or An explanation for a problem or question that can be formally tested.question that can be formally tested. Problem or question arises through Problem or question arises through

inferences formed from observation.inferences formed from observation.

ExperimentExperiment

An investigation that tests a An investigation that tests a hypothesis by the process of hypothesis by the process of collecting information under collecting information under controlled conditions.controlled conditions.

ExperimentExperiment

Controlled ExperimentControlled Experiment An experiment set up to test a variable.An experiment set up to test a variable.

Control GroupControl Group The standard against which results are compared.The standard against which results are compared.

Experimental GroupExperimental Group The test group which receives experimental The test group which receives experimental

treatment.treatment.

ExperimentExperiment

Controlled ExperimentControlled Experiment Independent VariableIndependent Variable

The condition which is tested (and changed).The condition which is tested (and changed). Dependent VariableDependent Variable

Condition which results from the change (and is Condition which results from the change (and is measured or observed).measured or observed).

ExperimentExperiment

What if setting up a controlled What if setting up a controlled experiment isn’t possible?experiment isn’t possible? Use a model to simulate the problem.Use a model to simulate the problem. Perform investigations in order to gather Perform investigations in order to gather

data. data.

Collect and Analyze DataCollect and Analyze Data

Quantitative DataQuantitative Data Measured in numbers.Measured in numbers.

Qualitative DataQualitative Data Described in words.Described in words.

ConclusionConclusion

Proves or disproves your hypothesis.Proves or disproves your hypothesis.

Hypotheses, Theories, and LawsHypotheses, Theories, and Laws

TheoryTheory Explanation (hypothesis or set of hypotheses) Explanation (hypothesis or set of hypotheses)

of a natural phenomenon that is consistent of a natural phenomenon that is consistent with known facts and is supported by a large with known facts and is supported by a large body of scientific evidence obtained form many body of scientific evidence obtained form many different experiments, investigations and different experiments, investigations and observations.observations.

LawLaw Rule of fact of nature that correctly describes a Rule of fact of nature that correctly describes a

known phenomenon and is proven correct known phenomenon and is proven correct every time it is tested.every time it is tested.

International System of International System of Measurement (SI)Measurement (SI)

System of measurement based on System of measurement based on multiples of tens or tenths of a base multiples of tens or tenths of a base unit.unit.

Used to communicate scientific data Used to communicate scientific data world-wide.world-wide.

EthicsEthics

Moral principles and values held by Moral principles and values held by people.people.

Ethical questions cannot be Ethical questions cannot be answered by science.answered by science.

TechnologyTechnology

Application of scientific research to Application of scientific research to meet the needs of society.meet the needs of society.

Can have both positive and negative Can have both positive and negative consequences.consequences.