SCIENCE AND THE

SCIENTIFIC
METHOD: The
process of Science

INTRODUCTION
If we teach only the findings and products of science— no
matter how useful and even inspiring they may be—without
communicating its critical method, how can the average person
possibly distinguish science from pseudoscience?

Karl Sagan, 1996

Nullius
In
Verba
_on the word of no one_
 ”an expression of the determination of
Fellows to withstand the domination of
authority and to verify all statements by an
appeal to facts determined by experiment.“
The Royal Society
"Nullius in verba", as a science maxim,
simply means:

A. trust the word of the scientists

B. rational thinking
C. do not trust your pastors or priests
D. doubt everyone or everything
E. take anybody's word for it
Objectives:
• Articulate the methods and
contents of Science.
• Describe the goals of basic
science and applied science.
• Compare inductive reasoning
with deductive reasoning.
• Demonstrate or apply the
attributes of Science.
Chapter 1: The Essence of Science

Science is not merely a list of equations or a catalog of facts. First and foremost, it
is a way of thinking and a method to acquire such a huge amount of knowledge.

o Science is a way of thinking and a method to acquire knowledge.

o It seeks to unravel the mysteries of the universe, from the subatomic
realm to the cosmic expanse.
o It is a dynamic process that evolves with the accumulation of knowledge.
o It encompasses a vast array of disciplines, from physics and biology to
psychology and astronomy.
o The essence of science lies not only in the pursuit of answers but also in
the formulation of questions that drive exploration and inquiry.
Chapter 1: The Essence of Science

The term "science" derives from the Latin word "scientia," meaning knowledge.
o The systematic approach that defines modern science
emerged during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods.
o One pivotal development was the rise of the scientific method,
a systematic framework for investigation that emphasizes
observation, experimentation, hypothesis testing, and
evidence-based conclusions.
o Science's impact on society grew exponentially over time.
o Technological advancements have propelled science to even
greater heights in recent decades.
Chapter 2: The Nature of Science: Unveiling Its Key
Characteristics
Science
● Science is a method in which we learn about the natural world.
● Knowledge is gained through observation, experimentation, and exploration.

● Attributes of science:
○ Empirical
○ Objective
○ Non-dogmatic
○ Self-correcting
○ Systematic
○ Transparent
What do these things mean to you?

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Transparent and Open to Critique

Scientific Work is Transparent and Open to Critique

New knowledge is disseminated and vetted through peer-review and publication
● Peer-review : anonymous critique by other scientists, only good science makes it
through and gets shared/published
● This process weeds out bad science
(invalid methods, improper conclusions, etc)

"Torn Spine" by Kevin Grocki is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

An attribute of science, which specifically means
being receptive to fresh and diverse views and
rejecting the belief that one is always correct and/or
not to be intimidated by any strong set of principles
concerning faith, morals, doctrines, etc.
A. Objective
B. Self correcting
C. Non dogmatic
D. Critical
E. Transparent
1.2: The Process of Science (Basic Science vs.
Applied Science)
Basic Science vs. Applied Science

Basic science:

• Science that produces knowledge regardless of application.

• The source of most scientific theories aimed at understanding fundamental problems.
• Often, this type of science ends up being invaluable in the future, in unpredictable ways.
• (study of the cell, the study of inheritance, the study of molecules, etc..)

Applied Science:
• Science that is used to solve specific or practical problems.
• Creates new technologies and applies information based on basic science.
• (Surgeons operating on a person, Windmills capturing energy, Solar panel capturing energy,
etc..)
.3: Inductive vs Deductive

Science employs two types of logical thinking:

● Inductive Reasoning: uses related observations to
arrive at a general conclusion

● Deductive Reasoning: uses a general principle or

law to forecast specific results
Examples of each?

"The Thinker" by ajk408 is licensed under

CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
All men are mortal.
Socrates is a man.
Therefore, Socrates is mortal.
Juan eats fish.
Juan is Filipino.
Therefore, Filipinos eat fish.

"question" is licensed under CC0 1.0

Chapter 2: The Scientific Method

The
Scientific
Method
 Observe/Ask
Question

Research the
Communication
problem

Analysis and Develop

Conclusions hypothesis

Experiment
2.1 Steps of the Scientific Method

• 1. Observe or ask a question: State the problem as

a question.
• 2. Research the problem: Read, get advice, and
make observations.
• 3. Develop a hypothesis: Make a prediction about
what will happen.
• 4. Experimentation or hypothesis testing: Plan how
you will test your hypothesis.
2.1 Steps of the Scientific Method
• 5. Analyze the data and draw a conclusion: Analyze your
data and summarize your findings.
• 6. Communicate the findings conclusions: can be done
by writing a paper, giving a presentation, or publishing your
results in a scientific journal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi0hwFDQTSQ
2.2 What is the scientific method?

• It is a process that is used to

find answers to questions
about the natural world
around us.
• Is there only one “scientific method”?
2.2 What is the scientific method?
Is there only one “scientific method”?

• No, there are several versions of the

scientific method.

• Some versions have more steps, while

others may have only a few.
2.2 What is the scientific method?
Is there only one “scientific method”?

• However, they all begin with the

identification of a problem or a question
to be answered based on observations
of the world around us.

• They provide an organized method for

conducting and analyzing an experiment.
2.3 Elements of Scientific Method
What is a hypothesis?

• It is an educated guess based on

observations and your knowledge of
the topic.
• You state it as a possible answer to a
question.
2.3 Elements of Scientific Method

What is a hypothesis?
• Stated in the “If….., then….” format

• Example: IF I water three plants with

different sodas, THEN the plant that
receives Sprite will grow the tallest.
2.3 Elements of Scientific Method
Experiment and Variables
A variable is anything
that can change during
an experiment.

Independent Variables
Dependent Variables
Controlled Variables (Constants)
2.3 Elements of Scientific Method
Experiment and Variables
• A group of students were given a short course in speed-reading. The
instructor wondered if a monetary incentive would influence
performance on a reading test taken at the end of the course. Half
the students were offered Php 250 for obtaining a certain level of
performance on the test, the other half were not offered money.

• Independent Variable (IV): Monetary incentive (Php 250). (This is

the manipulated variable.)
• Dependent Variable (DV): Performance on reading test. (This is
the variable that can be measured by the experiment.)
• Control Group (CG): no monetary incentive group. (This
group was not (SHOULD NOT BE) affected by the IV.)
2.3 Elements of Scientific Method
1 Independent Variable
something that is manipulated
by the experimenter.
• What is tested
• What is changed
(manipulated)
2.3 Elements of Scientific Method
2. Dependent
Variable

something that might be affected by the change in the

independent variable.
• What is observed
• What is measured
• The data collected during the investigation
• “the numbers”
2.3 Elements of Scientific Method
Here is an easier way to visualize the concept of the
independent and dependent variable relationship.
Independent Variable Dependent Variable
Manipulated Measured
Cause Effect
Before After
Input Output
What you do What happens
2.3 Elements of Scientific Method
3. Controlled Variable
group that is not exposed to the independent
variable.

• Also called CONSTANTS

• Allow for a “fair test”, make it valid
• Everything in the experiment (except for the
independent variable) should be kept constant.
2.3 Elements of Scientific Method
An investigation was done with an
electromagnetic system made from a
battery and wire wrapped around a nail.
Different sizes of nails were used. The
number of paper clips the electromagnet
could pick up was measured.

Find the following:

IV –number of paper clips
DV –Different sizes of nails
CV –electromagnetic system
Chapter 3: Current Challenges in Science and
Society
Science and society are inextricably linked. Science has the power to improve
our lives in many ways, but it also poses some challenges. In this chapter, we
will discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing science and society
today.

1. Climate change
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet
today. It is caused by the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere,
which trap heat and cause the Earth's temperature to rise. Climate change is
already having a significant impact on the planet, and it is expected to get
worse in the future.
complexity of scientific issues.
2. Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is another major challenge facing science and
society. AI is a rapidly developing technology that has the potential to
revolutionize many aspects of our lives. However, there are also concerns
about the potential negative impacts of AI, such as job displacement and
the creation of autonomous weapons.

3. Genetic engineering
Genetic engineering is the process of modifying the genes of an organism.
This technology has the potential to cure diseases, improve food
production, and create new products. However, there are also concerns
about the potential negative impacts of genetic engineering, such as the
creation of "designer babies" and the release of genetically modified
organisms into the environment.
4. Inequality
The benefits of science and technology are not evenly distributed. The
wealthy and powerful have greater access to these benefits, while the poor
and marginalized often do not. This can lead to increased inequality and
social unrest.

5. Misinformation and Fake News

In the age of digital information, the spread of misinformation and fake news
has become a significant challenge. Incorrect or misleading scientific
information can quickly spread, leading to public confusion and misguided
decisions. Public trust in science is declining. This is due to a number of
factors, including the rise of misinformation, the politicization of science, and
the increasing complexity of scientific issues.
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