Biology 1 Topic 4- Methods in the Study

of Biology

Topic 4- Methods in the Study of Biology

Methods in the Study of Biology

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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.

The Scientific Method

The Nature of Science

Inductive Reasoning
Discovering general principles
through examination of specific
cases.

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The Scientific Method

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.

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Biology 1 Topic 4- Methods in the Study

of Biology

1.9 Scientists form and test hypotheses and share

their results

Figure 1.9A_s1

Observation

Question

We solve everyday problems by using

hypotheses.

Hypothesis 1:
Dead batteries

Hypothesis 2:
Burned-out bulb

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.

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Figure 1.9A_s2

Figure 1.9A_s3

Observation

Observation

Question

Question

Hypothesis 1:
Dead batteries

Hypothesis 2:
Burned-out bulb

Hypothesis 1:
Dead batteries

Hypothesis 2:
Burned-out bulb

Prediction:

Prediction:

Prediction:

Prediction:

Replacing batteries
will fix problem.

Replacing bulb
will fix problem.

Replacing batteries
will fix problem.

Replacing bulb
will fix problem.

Experiment:

Experiment:

Experiment:

Experiment:

Test prediction by
replacing batteries.

Test prediction by
replacing bulb.

Test prediction by
replacing batteries.

Test prediction by
replacing bulb.
Test does not
falsify hypothesis.
Make additional
predictions and
test them.

Test falsifies
hypothesis. Revise
hypothesis or
pose new one.

The Scientific Method

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

The Scientific Method

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

Biology 1 Topic 4- Methods in the Study

of Biology

The Scientific Method

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

The Scientific Method

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.

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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.

2012 Pearson Education, Inc.