chapter 1 Flashcards
studying
what is the study of science?
the study of the world around us through observation
what is the study of biology?
the study of life
scientific method
is the process of establishing facts through observation, measurement, experiment, formulation, and testing of a hypothesis
hypothesis
a concept or idea that you test through research and experiments
what are pros and cons of the scientific method?
pros: it is based on fact and not objective, a standardized approach to conducting experiments
cons: limits the growth of scientific method,
Why is the traditional scientific method not a robust description of how science progresses? (exam question)
Because there is a lack of importance placed on observations that lie outside of the main hypothesis. It is also linear and does not offer an explanation that could
What are the key features of the scientific process? (exam question)
Forming a hypothesis, making predictions, running experiments, gathering data, interpreting data, and drawing conclusions
Fact vs Hypothesis
Facts are objective statements like “it is raining”
Hypothesis is a proposed explanation of a fact like “it is probably raining because it is too warm for condensation to freeze into snow”
Theory vs Law
Theory is something that answers WHY and has been tested
Law is a statement that tells HOW something happens
What is the scientific process?
Questioning the validity of a hypothesis and trying to understand it by questioning it. It also includes careful observations, is not linear, is questioned by peers, and has logical and mathematical reasoning.
What are the 3 non-mutually ways to study bio
- Mathematical Model
- Observational
- Experiments
What is the mathematical model?
They simplify and describe complex processes using math equations. It is developed on both testing and theory
What is the observational process?
The observational process consists of perceiving knowledge and information from a primary source. It also includes a recording of data and conducting experiments
What is the process of conducting experiments?
An experiment is a procedure to support or refute a hypothesis under controlled conditions. It is a process of testing and finding a conclusion
How does insect activity (hours flying per day) change with oxygen concentration? (exam question)
Determine the independent, dependent, and confounding variables; express insect activity at different elevations; with the confounding variable repeat study in various locations
What are the 4 characteristics of a strong experiment?
- Usefulness of a control treatment
- Meaningful treatment
- Replication
- Interspersion and randomization of treatments
What is a confounding variable?
A variable that influences both the independent and dependent variables. Provides a more accurate estimate rather than just using the independent/dependent variables.
What is the purpose of Control Treatments for a strong experiment?
By having control treatments within an experiment, you can use it as a benchmark to compare against the other treatments that are not controlled
What is the purpose of Meaningful Treatment for a strong experiment?
Allows the reason for cause for the cause and effect as well as the validity of the experiment by how well the treatment was manipulated.
What is the purpose of Replication for a strong experiment?
Allows you to see patterns and trends in the results of the experiment.
What is the purpose of Interspersion & Randomization of Treatment of a strong experiment?
Treatments should be mixed up/random, which provides insurance against biases.
scientific theory
an explanation of the natural world and universe that has been tested and proved by the scientific method
scientific law
statements based on research and observations that describe or predict natural phenomena (Newton’s Law of Gravity)
what is an independent variable?
what is being manipulated by the researchers as a potential cause
