1114 Chapter 1

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Scientific Method
- How we learn about the world around us
- Systematic, logical approach to study
Key steps of the scientific method
- Observation and question
- Hypothesis
- Prediction
- Testing
- Analysis
- Conclusions
Scientific hypothesis
- Tentative mechanistic explanation of an observation
- Always include a "because statement" bc the explanation must answer the question why
- Must be testable and falsifiable
Null vs. alternative hypothesis
- Null: why there would not be a relationship
- Alternative: explanation for why there is a relationship between factors of interest
Circular logic
- Explaining that X will happen because X will happen
- Doesn't provide a mechanistic explanation for why the event occurs
- Make sure your explanation isn't the same just reworded
- Example: prairie dogs use different calls for different colors because the calls sound different for different colors
Prediction
- A statement of what will happen if your alternative hypothesis is correct given a specific set of experimental circumstances
- Outlines how to test hypothesis by specifying the dependent and independent variables
- "If hypothesis is correct, then..." template
Variables

Factors of interest that can be changed
Independent variables

What changes to understand its effects (color of shirt in prairie dog example)
Dependent variable

How the system responds to the independent variable
What is wrong with this hypothesis?
Prairie dogs will consistently use calls with distinct frequencies and durations when shown women wearing blue, green, or yellow shirts because they are cognitively capable of both distinguishing colors and producing and understanding meaning from unique calls.

This limits the ability to test the same hypothesis with multiple methods
Confounding variables
- Factors that affect the results that were not controlled for.
- Important because you don't know if the result is from independent variables or from some other variable
What should you do in an experiment regarding confounding variables

Try to anticipate them and include in experimental design
What is wrong with observing one prairie dog responding to each predator type 1 time?

It could be an irregularity such as the smartest or stupidest one.
What is wrong with observing 1 preairie dog responding to each predator 5 times?
- This still doesn't represent the population.
- It is pseudoreplictation
Pseudoreplication
- Our sample is not independent of each other
- Replicates ensure that the results are not caused from odd balls
Analysis and conclusions
- Scientific conclusions are based on evidence
- Conclusions: result from 1 study testing 1 hypothesis
Why should you never use the word prove?

You cannot prove things in science, you can only disprove things. It is impossible to test a relationship in every single possible test on every single subject
Why is it a good thing that prove should not be used?
- If we did prove things, then this would prohibit future growth.
- Example: we originally thought diseases were caused by "bad air"
Theories
- Unifies many ideas/hypothesis
- Broad in scope
- Extremely highly supported by evidence from many experiments
Conclusion
- Narrow in scope
- Results from a single experiment that tested a single hypothesis
- Conclusions may support or refute the hypothesis
What is wrong with saying "I believe" in science?
- It is not a great way to phrase scientific thought
- Science is based on evidence
- We don't 'believe' in facts-- they are still factual no matter how we feel about them
- It is our job to critically evaluate scientific evidence about important social issues

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1114 Chapter 1

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Updated

2018-01-11T21:19:45Z

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