Chapter 1 Outline
The Methods of Biology
I. Scientific Method (pg 11-18)
A. Define the problem/Ask a question
Example: WHY ARE MY GOLD FISH DYING?
B. Collect Information
1. How?
o Internet
o Books
o Scientific Journals
o Interview Experts
C. Form a Hypothesis
Example: I THINK MY GOLD FISH ARE DYING BECAUSE
I USE A BLEACH SOLUTION TO CLEAN THEIR
TANK.
1. HYPOTHESES: A possible answer to a scientific question based on the facts already known—more than an educated guess.
D. Perform an Experiment
1. EXPERIMENT: a process designed to test a hypothesis under
controlled conditions
example: clean with bleach solution and clean without
bleach solution
2. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: what is measured—expected
to affect the condition to be
tested
example: bleach solution
3. DEPENDENT VARIABLE: what’s measured in the
experiment
example: fish death rate or survival rate
4. CONTROL: in an experiment, the group to which no variable
is added— used for comparison to see if the
variable had an effect – usually it is as
much like normal conditions as possible.
example: tank that was not cleaned with bleach
E. Make Observations and Record Data
1. Types of Data
a. QUALITATIVE DATA: more objective, data based
on observations
but not measured, written
descriptions
example: made bubbles, color changed
b. QUANTITATIVE DATA: numerical data; tells how
much or quantity.
example: length (cm), # of bubbles (per minute),
mass (g)
F. Draw Conclusions (Organize and Analyze Data)
Create a table & or graph
Decide what’s going on
G. Report Results
1. If a hypothesis is published because several experiments have support it, is it complete? Why or Why not?
No, must prove in other settings or areas
2. THEORY: a broad, general explanation about the natural
world, based on results of many experiments & the
best explanation for the facts
currently available. Theories are not facts!
II. Science & Technology (pg 19-23)
a. SCIENCE (Pure Science): a body of knowledge gathered through
experimentation – facts about natural world
examples: biology, chemistry, geology, zoology
b. TECHNOLOGY (Applied Science): make something new to improve
human life and the world around us
examples: medicine, computers, TV’s, microwaves,
engineering, agriculture
c. Science –vs- Technology
o often depend on each other
o Science is learning something new for the sake of knowledge. Technology is making or using something to improve human life
and the world around us.
d. Results of Scientific Knowledge & Technology
1. POSITIVE EXAMPLES
§ new medicine
§ cars
§ computers
2. NEGATIVE EXAMPLES
§ over population
§ nuclear weapons
§ food shortages
§ pollution
e. Limitations of Science
Laws
Money
Skills/Equipment
f. Characteristics of a Good Scientist
Ask Questions, wanting to know, curious
Observant
Persistent
Skeptical