Chapter 2 Outline

The Scientific Method

The scientific method involves the use of controlled experiments as well as studies based solely on observational data. This chapter also covers the parameters of science.

Chapter Outline

In this chapter outline, the learning objectives and the selected key terms are given for each major head in the chapter.

1. Explain the purpose of science and what is meant by a scientific theory. Give

examples of scientific theories.

Scientists Have a Method (p. 14)

2. Outline the basic steps of the scientific method.

3. Explain why experimental results can falsify a hypothesis but cannot prove a

hypothesis true.

4. Give an example of an investigation that follows the steps of the scientific method.

5. Explain how inductive and deductive reasoning are used in the scientific method.

6. Tell why investigators often report mathematical data.

Selected Key Terms: scientific method, data, hypothesis, inductive reasoning

Some Experiments Have a Control (p. 16)

7. Design a controlled experiment. Identify the experimental variable and the

dependent variable.

control group, experimental variable, dependent variable

Some Investigations Are Observational (p. 17)

8. Show that the scientific method can arrive at conclusions based on observations

alone.

What Science Doesn't Do (p. 18)

9. Explain why religious beliefs and scientific creationism are not within the province of

science.

10. Explain why moral and/or ethical decisions are not made solely by those in the field

of science.
Return to Chapter 2
Return to Chapter Tools
Return to Biology

Search | How to Order | E-mail Us