What is Science 1 Description 2 Explanation a Data Observations 3 Purpose goal a Understanding pattern of data observation a Based on process method that takes from 1 to 2 Purpose Assumptions Science Science must be To seek increasing accurate natural explanations understanding of natural world ongoing 1 Natural phenomena have natural explanations 2 Natural pattern rules are unchanging across space and time 3 We can uncover understand those natural rules explanations and descriptions using a common method the Scientific Method Body of knowledge regarding natural world Systematic process of acquiring organizing and communicating knowledge Based on best available evidence Objective unbiased allows trustworthy interpretation Verifiable testable repeatable o The Benefit Self correcting as new research is done accuracy increases bias decreases Acquired through the Scientific Method Scientific Method 1 Observations a Single or multiple b c Restricted to use of our senses Data must be objective i Can be improved using measurement devices instruments 2 Question 3 Hypothesis a Formed generated based on observations data a Tentative explanation of observation data i True attempt to understand ii NOT a random guess iii Based on inductive or deductive reasoning Induction going from specific observations data to a more general idea Deduction applying a general principle to predict specific results outcomes Example Observation this dog has hair Hypothesis all dogs have hair If A B and B C then A C Example A Every dog has hair B This organism is a dog C Therefore this organism has hair Hypotheses are used to make clear focused predictions o NOT vague or general o Testable 4 Experiments most rigorous test of a hypothesis a Manipulation of different factors variables suspected to be determining the pattern of interest b Measurement of effect of the experimental treatment c d Repeatable Should account for most all variables influencing the effect you are measuring 5 Interpret experimental outcome relative to the hypothesis a Either supports or rejects the hypothesis b Based on results you repeat the experiment or design a new one to test your idea Reject definite Results do not support the hypothesis Support does NOT proof Science does not prove anything and does not determine truth All results are viewed as tentative can be improved upon Based on current understanding of the best available evidence
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