The Scientific MethodChpt. 1

Science

• is the organised and objective study of the physical, material and living world.

• three main areas – physics, chemistry and biology.

What is Biology???The word Biology comes from two Greek words:

BIOS meaning LIFE and

LOGOS meaning A STUDY

*Biology: is the study of living things.

Biology has many different areas of studyAnatomy

Biochemistry Botany EcologyGenetics

MicrobiologyPhysiology

ZoologyTaxonomyCytology

Anatomy

• the study of the internal and external structure of plants and animals

Biochemistry

• the study of the chemical processes and products involved in metabolism

Botany• the study of plant structure, physiology, distribution and classification

Ecology• a study of how living things relate to each other and to their environment

Genetics• a study of the structure and function of genes and their transmission from parents to offspring

Microbiology• a study of small living things, i.e. micro-organisms

Physiology• a study of the functions of living organisms and their parts

Zoology•a study of animal physiology, structure, habits, classification and distribution

Taxonomy• Classification of organisms

Cytology• Is the study of cells

All of the previously discussed areas can be subdivided again providing more specific areas of study:

• Microbiology: bacteriology, mycology, virology.

• Anatomy: zootomy (animal anatomy), phytotomy (plant anatomy).

The Scientific Method

The Scientific Method: • is an attempt at using an organised approach to solve problems.

• based on the concept of asking questions and searching for answers.

Process of the Scientific Method

The following steps are used where possible to solve problems:

1. Observation*

2. Hypothesis

3. Experimentation

4. Result

5. Interpretation

6. Conclusion

*Theory

*Principle

Process of the Scientific Method1. Observation:• * most important part of the scientific method• obtained a) directly by our senses.

b) indirectly by the use of equipment which are basically extensions of those senses.

2. Hypothesis:• is an educated guess based on observations. • should a) account for all the facts which have been

observed.

b) lead to the prediction of new information• generally stated in the form of an If...., then...

statement.

Process of the Scientific Method

3. Experimentation:• experiment designed to test hypothesis.

4. Result:• results should be written down and recorded so that

they can be examined and analysed by others.• results will either support or contradict a hypothesis.

5. Interpretation:• results of experiment are collected, recorded and

analysed.

Process of the Scientific Method

6. Conclusion:• data from experiment is interpreted to reach a

conclusion.• you state whether your prediction was confirmed or

not and try to explain your results.

Process of The Scientific Method

TheoryIf a hypothesis is continually supported by many different experiments it may then be called a theory.

PrincipleWhen a theory has stood the test of time and is valid under all conditions it may then be termed as a principle or law.

Process of the Scientific MethodFinally:Relating Conclusion to existing knowledge:• Conclusion should tie in with existing knowledge

of the topic being examined.• On the basis of conclusion reached, the hypothesis is

- supported if results agree fully- changed if results partly agree- rejected if results contradict it

Reporting and Publishing results:• Experiments are published in order to allow them to

be repeated.• Often published: in journals, magazines, newspapers,

on internet, on television etc.

The Scientific Method

Principles of an Acceptable Experiment

1. Careful Planning and Design:- in general only a single factor is tested, all other influences (factors) should be kept constant.

2. Safety: - important factor when designing any experiment.

Principles of an Acceptable Experiment

3. Control Experiment:a) used to provide a standard against which the actual experiment can be judged.b) only one difference between the control and the actual experiment.

Principles of an Acceptable Experiment

4. Experiments must be fair:- personal opinion should not influence the

procedures or interpretation of the results. Use of the following is important to ensure a fair test:

- sample size - random selection - repeating experiment - double blind testing

Limitations of the Scientific Method

The scientific method is limited by problems such as:• insufficient knowledge• design of experiment• difficulty in interpreting results• changes in nature• accidental discovery• faulty conclusions• human error• personal bias• ethical issues