The Nature of Science

1. The Nature of Science • Definition of science • Inductive and deductive reasoning • Experimental process • Methods of data analysis • Science and decision making

2. Definition of Science • Science • A way of understanding the physical universe • Through observation and experiment • Provides generalized explanations or models • Makes predictions about how the universe works

3. Inductive and Deductive Reasoning • Inductive reasoning • Starting with specific observations of a phenomenon • The scientist develops generalized explanations • Deductive reasoning • Starting with a possible explanation for a phenomenon • The scientist tests the explanation through controlled experimentation

4. Experimental Process • Develop a hypothesis and predictions • Hypothesis: A possible explanation for an observed phenomenon • Prediction: A specific expected outcome or occurrence that depends upon the validity of a hypothesis

5. Experimental Process • Design experiments to test the predictions • Experiment: controlled observations in which the scientist changes one condition (or variable) in a system and observes how the change affects other variables • Independent variable (manipulated variable): what the scientist changes or manipulates • Dependent variable (responding variable): what the scientist measures • Controlled variables: variables that are kept constant throughout the experiment

6. Experimental Process • Collect and analyze data • Repeat experiments • Publish results

7. Methods of Data Analysis • Statistical testing • Standard deviation • Tests for significant deviation • Regression analysis • Graphical analysis • Graphs • Maps and geographic information systems • Data mining • Hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP)

8. Science and Decision Making • The value of science in decision making • Other factors in decision making