Lecture 3

Question 1

What is the nature of science ?

Answer 1

Science aims to understand the natural world through observation and reasoning.
- tries to be as objective as possible

Most science is purely descriptive as it begins with observations

biology is concerned with arriving at an accurate description of nature

Question 2

Deductive vs Inductive reasoning

Answer 2

Deductive : Applies general principles to predict specific results

Inductive: uses specific observations to construct general scientific principles

Science uses both but most commonly inductive

Question 3

Scientific investigation (parts)

Answer 3

-Observation (Defining a problem)
-Hypothesis formation
-Predictions
-Experimentation
-Conclusion

Question 4

Observations and questions

Answer 4

Scienntist make observations that raises a particular question

Not all questions can be answered scientifically therefore it is important to ask the rigth question

Question 5

Potential Hypothesis

Answer 5

Hypothesis
Proposed explanation that makes testable predictions
◼ Must be tested to determine its validity.
◼ Is often tested in many different ways.
◼ Allows for predictions to be made.

◼ Hypotheses can be changed and refined with new data.

Question 6

Experiment

Answer 6

Test of a hypothesis
involves:
- Defining the variables
- Outlining a procedure
- Determining the controls

Question 7

Dependent variable

Answer 7

What the investigator measures (counts, records)

Question 8

Independent variable

Answer 8

What the investigator varies during the experiment

Question 9

Controlled variables

Answer 9

Variables held constant
- eliminates the possibility that other factors areaffecting the outcome

Question 10

Experimental procedure

Answer 10

Determining the level of treatments
Deciding on the number of replications
Determining the control treatments

Question 11

Level of treatment

Answer 11

Choose appropriate values to use for the
independent variable
- Based on prior knowledge

Question 12

Replication

Answer 12

The experiment is repeated numerous times using the same conditions to see if the results are
consistent
- Increases our confidence in the results

Question 13

Control treatment

Answer 13

• Treatment in which the independent variables is either eliminated or set to a
  standard value
• Allows the scientist to be sure that the effect on the dependent variable is due to the independent variable

 Fertilizer example
Plant that did not receive any fertilizer

Question 14

Basic vs applied research

Answer 14

 Basic research
- Intended to extend what we know

 Provides the foundation for applied research
 Applied research
- Scientists often employed in the industry sector