Topic 1-The scientific method and communicating findings

• The scientific method is an empirical process for acquiring knowledge that has been recognized as a goal for investigations since the 1600s.
• Following the scientific method helps make studies reproducible, allowing others to recreate the study to confirm or refute the findings.
• The scientific method starts with an observation, which can lead to a question, requiring research, and forming a hypothesis.
• A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for what was observed, based on some information, and must be testable.
• The steps of the scientific method include research, hypothesis, data collection, data analysis, and communication.
• Communicating science involves scientists/researchers, students, teachers, doctors, reporters, and anyone who makes an observation.
• Science is communicated to scientists/researchers, students, teachers, policy makers, museum visitors, and “the public”.
• Scientists communicate through writing papers, peer-review, publishing in academic journals, presenting at conferences, discussing work-in-progress, meeting with policy makers, and interviews with media.
• An example of the scientific method in action is the question: “Are tooth flutes and facets the same?”
• The scientific method involves hypothesis testing, data collection, data analysis, and communication.
• The scientific method is a process that is based on observations and involves testing hypotheses.
• There are many sources of information out there, and it's important to be aware of the type of sources you are using and if they are suited to your purpose.
• Thesis: Broader than hypothesis. Supported by evidence.
• Deductive reasoning: A type of reasoning that starts with a general statement and then works backward to a specific conclusion.
• Inductive reasoning: aims for developing a theory. Collecting and analyzing info leads to conclusion.
• System biology: An approach to understand the larger picture by putting pieces together.
• Science: An approach to understand the natural world. A way of knowing.
• Levels of biological organization: Molecules> cells> organelles> organs+organ system> organism> population> Community> Ecosystem> Biodiversity
• Biology: Decathlon of sciences. Study of living organisms and their interactions.
• Null hypothesis: States that there is no difference/relationship between variables. Easy to disprove.