NAME: Daniela Velez Jimenez

DATE: 09/07/2023
Laboratory Report 1 (Scientific Investigation)
Procedure 1.1.
QUESTIONS:
1. What is the difference between an observation and an inference?
An observation is a fact that can be perceived using senses and can be quantitative (a number,
measurable) and/or qualitative (characteristics). An inference, on the other hand, is the opinion
created after one or more observations, which means it requires previous experience and
reasoning from the scientist.
2. Why is it important to quantify your data?
It is important to quantify data, especially for researchers, because it allows the application of
statistical analysis, and from this analysis predictions are formulated. Besides, statistics and
probability can help to determine whether there is enough data or determine the quality of the
results. Furthermore, when an observation is measured and results are quantified and
presented using a unit, they can be compared to results from other observations around the
world.
3. Does a test have to be an experiment?
No, because a test is just a procedure made to verify the performance or quality of something
before applying it somewhere else on a larger scale; while an experiment is a procedure made
to support or refute a hypothesis. Moreover, during a test the expectation is to have a positive
result, but in experimentation there is no expectation because both supporting or refuting the
hypothesis are acceptable outcomes. Finally, an experiment leads to new things, while tests
validate assumptions.
4. Does an experiment have to be performed in a laboratory?
No, experimentation can be in laboratories but also in field settings or even in virtual
environments; this decision would be made based on the type of data collected and the nature
of the research. For example, for environmental science it is common to carry out field
experiments to study conditions in the native habitats.
5. Why is it important to establish a cause and effect between the selected known
variable and unknown variables?
Establishing cause and effect helps us understand why things happen by figuring out the
reasons behind events. This understanding is essential because it allows us to make accurate
predictions, solve problems effectively, and make informed decisions based on empirical
evidence in various fields.
6. Why must all the other known variables be kept constant during an experiment?
Keeping other known variables constant during an experiment ensures that any changes
observed are caused by the specific variable being tested. This helps scientists accurately
identify the effect of the variable they are studying.
7. What is the first thing you should do if the data that you collected does not
support your hypothesis?
Reconsider your hypothesis and think about modifying it based on the results obtained, to start
a new experimentation under the new hypothesis.
8. Does data that does not support a hypothesis necessarily mean that the
hypothesis is invalid?
No, consideration of different factors must be taken, like experimental design or unexpected
variables. If results contradict the hypothesis, researchers often reevaluate it, refine the
experiment, or explore alternative explanations. Therefore, scientific understanding grows
through rigorous testing and questioning of hypotheses, over and over.
9. List the steps of a generic scientific investigation
The scientific method has five basic steps, plus one feedback step:
1. Make an observation.
2. Ask a question.
3. Form a hypothesis, or testable explanation.
4. Make predictions based on the hypothesis.
5. Test the prediction.
6. Iterate: use the results to make new hypotheses or predictions.
Procedure 1.2A Cartesian Graph

Time
(months) Weight of Cat (kg) Weight of Dog (kg)
1 0.24 1.10
2 0.30 2.33
3 0.35 3.75
4 0.46 5.00
5 0.58 5.85
6 0.64 6.50
7 0.74 7.10
8 0.96 8.10
9 1.14 8.55
10 1.24 9.05
11 1.36 9.15
12 1.56 9.70
13 1.69 9.85
14 1.75 10.45
15 1.89 10.73
16 1.92 10.90
 17 2.05 11.15
18 2.77 11.20
19 2.19 11.25
20 2.21 11.27
21 2.20 11.23
22 2.24 11.30
23 2.23 11.28
24 2.25 11.29
Table 1. Monthly weight of cat and dog.

Source: Highley, Robert S. Exercises in Laboratory Biology

1. 3rd Ed.

Figure 1. Cartesian graph of pets’ growth.

QUESTIONS
1. Which animal had the most rapid increase in growth during the two-year period?
The dog had the most rapid increase in growth because, after two years, it gained
approximately 10.20 kg; while the cat gained 2.01 kg. This can be easily noticed in the
graph, because the slope of the dog’s line is bigger than the cat’s line.
2. Which animal added the most mass in the first year?
The dog, because it added 8.6 kg in the first year, while the cat added 1.32 kg
3. Did both animals reach a time when their growth began to taper off sooner?
Yes, both animals reach a time when their growth began to taper off sooner, being the
dog’s growth easier to recognize
 4. Which increase in mass of which animal seemed to taper off sooner?
The dog’s increase in mass seemed to taper off sooner, since it happened
approximately in month 17 while for the cat in month 19.
5. Why might this presentation be called a progress graph?
Because the Cartesian graph allows to show a continuous variation of a variable, such
as the progress made towards a certain objective over time. In this case, the goal would
be the average weight of a two-year-old pet.
6. Name the independent and the dependent variable
The weight of the pet depends on the time, so the dependent variable is the Weight of
the pet in kilograms, and the independent variable is the time in months.
7. What might be said of the mass of the house cat in the eighteenth month of
growth? What is this point called in statistics?
About the mass of the cat in the eighteenth month of growth it might be said that it is an
atypical value, that is, a data point significantly different from the other points of the
data set. This was probably caused by a measurement error. Atypical values in statistics
are also known as outliers.
Procedure 1.2B Histogram

Collection center Collection center

Hour of day
A B
6 3 7
7 7 6
8 3 4
9 3 2
10 5 2
11 6 2
12 10 3
13 4 4
14 1 5
15 2 4
16 1 2
17 2 1
18 4 6
19 6 5
20 2 4
21 1 3
Table 2. Number of donor visits at each Collection center per hour on a weekday.

Source: Highley, Robert S. Exercises in Laboratory Biology

1. 3rd Ed.
 Figure 2. Histogram of Collection centers’ data.

QUESTIONS:
1. How many hourly categories are needed?
16 hourly categories are needed in this case, each one corresponds to an hour in which
the Blood Collection Centers are open and receiving donor visits.
2. Which hourly category had the highest number of visits (frequency) at collection
center A? Collection center B?
 The hourly category of 12 had the highest number of visits (10 visits) at collection
center A
 The hourly category of 6 had the highest number of visits (7 visits) at collection
center B
3. How would you schedule the phlebotomists at each collection center given the
collected data?
 For Collection center A I would schedule the phlebotomists in a morning shift
starting at 7 and finishing at 13. Besides, some extra hours from 18 to 20.
 For Collection center B I would schedule the phlebotomists in an afternoon shift
starting at 13 and finishing at 21. Besides, some extra hours early in the morning
from 6 to 8.
4. What is the difference between the quantity on the x-axis on the Cartesian graph
and the categories on the x-axis on the Histogram?
The difference is that the variable on the x-axis on the Cartesian graph represents a
continuous variation, while the categories on the x-axis on the Histogram do not form a
continuous scale so each category has a specific set of characteristics, even though
they are organized in ascending order.