Biology 1.1; scientific method

True or False? A prediction is the same as a hypothesis. (q)

f

the meaning of falsifiable

it can be disproven by other observations that demonstrate it's false.

What is a hypothesis?

possible answer to a scientific question. It's a proposed explanation. It is NOT A GUESS

Supporting evidence is NOT ________

proof

What do observations lead to?

questions

When doing a experiment you have your own personal....

scientific investigation

t or f A hypothesis cannot be proven conclusively to be true

t;You can never examine all of the possible evidence. Someday evidence might be found that disproves the hypothesis. As more evidence is collected that supports a hypothesis, the more likely the hypothesis is to be true.

What is Occam's Razor?

the idea that scientists should prefer the simpler of two models that agree equally well with observations

What are the requirements for a hypothesis?

Based on scientific knowledge. i.e. it's logical not fantastical. Must be falsifiable. i.e. it can be disproven by other observations that demonstrate it's false. NOT an 'if... then' statement!!!

What are the rules of scientific research?

Rule out rival hypotheses Correlation isn't causation Falsifiablity Replicability Extraordinary claims need extraordinary evidence Occam's Razor

Steps of the Scientific Method (q)

1)make observations 2)ask a question 3)form a hypothesis 4)test a hypothesis 5)draw conclusion 6)communicate results

What does it mean to test the hypothesis?

1. Make a prediction based on the hypothesis. This is your 'if... then...' statement. A prediction is a statement that tells what will happen under certain conditions. e.g. Prediction: If a moth has eye spots on its wings, then birds will avoid eating it. 2. Gather evidence to test the prediction Evidence is data that may either agree or disagree with a prediction, so it may either support or disprove a hypothesis. Gathered by experimentation and observation.

What is a scientific law?

A statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions (determines what happens)

What is the scientific method?

Common strategy scientists use to investigate phenomena and gain knowledge. It's a step-by-step plan we follow for asking questions and testing possible answers:

What are theories?

Explains why something happens; is largely supported by many scientist and data

Hypothesis example

Hypothesis: based on this knowledge, you reason that a moth's eye spots would scare away any bird that wants to eat it because it thinks that moth is actually an owl.

What is the replication of results.

In a experiment the scientific investigation is repeated several times. If the results of each experiment are the same the scientist has created a replication of results. Replication of results often gives greater validity to the findings.

What happens to the the outcome when the scientific method is not followed?

It is more privy to errors

What are conclusions?

Opinions supported by data- what the results of the observations and/or experiments mean/interpretations of the evidence.

What does it mean to communicate results

Share what you have learned through publications -Describe your methods -Identify problems encountered with the methods or analysis = experimental error -Allows others to test your hypothesis. -If they get the same results, they add support to the hypothesis. -If they get different results, they may disprove the hypothesis or cause it to undergo revision

What is evidence?

Supporting materials used to prove or disprove something

How to set up a prediction?

Use if...then statement

How do investigations begin?

With observations

what is a scientific investigation

a plan for asking questions and testing possible answers.

What is a prediction?

a statement that tells what will happen under certain conditions.

Evidence that _________ with your prediction supports your hypothesis. Evidence that does not agree _______ your hypothesis.

agrees/refutes

A possible answer to a question based on scientific knowledge is a. prediction b. conclusion c. hypothesis d. experiment (q)

c