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ENV CHAPTER 2.1: SCIENTIFIC METHODS
The word science comes from the Latin to knowTHE EXPERIMENTAL METHODScience begins with observation
Stages of the experimental method:-Observation: a piece of information we gather using our senses. Observations lead to questions.
-Hypothesizing and predicting: o Hypothesis – testable explanation for an observation. It should make logical sense and follow from what you already know about the situation. So it’s not a guess. It’s an educated guess. o Prediction – the expected outcome if the hypothesis is true.
-Experimenting: procedures designed to test hypotheses under controlled conditions. The goal is to look for cause and effect relationships.o Good experiments have 2 things:-a single variable (factor of interest) being tested-and a controlo The experimental group receives the experimental treatment. The control does not. -Organizing and analyzing data: the information a scientist gathers is datao Displaying it in tables and graphs is neat and organized and helps scientists in analyzing the data and explaining it clearly to others.
-Drawing conclusions: determining the results by analyzing the data and comparing it to the prediction.
-Repeating experiments: scientists look for supporting evidence before accepting a hypothesis. They do it over and over to make sure.
-Communicating results: scientists publish their results to share what they’ve learned with others
THE CORRELATION METHOD-many questions cannot be studied experimentally-when using experiments is impossible or unethical, scientists test predictions by examining correlations-correlations are reliable associations between 2 or more events
SCIENTIFIC HABITS OF MIND-Curiosity: wonder why-The habit of skepticism: don’t believe everything you’re told-Openness to new ideas-Intellectual honesty – recognizing new results may be right even if that means admitting your hypothesis is wrong-Imagination and creativity: not only be open to new ideas but think of them yourself. Think outside the box.
ENV CHAPTER 2.2: STATISTICS AND MODELS
Statistics – the collection and classification of data that are in the form of numbersHOW SCIENTISTS USE STATISTICS - To summarize, characterize, analyze, and compare data-Statistics is useful in populations
-statistical population – group of similar things that a scientist is interested in learning about.-The members of the pop are similar but they have different characteristics
-Mean – the number you get by adding up the data for a given characteristic and dividing by the number of individualso The mean provides a numerical measure for a given aspect of a pop
-Distribution – the relative arrangement of the members of a popo a bell shaped curve shows a normal distribution – it is when the data are grouped symmetrically around the mean
-probability – the chance that something will happen
-sample size is important – the sample is the group of individuals selected to represent a pop. o Too small could give inaccurate results. Outliers.o Want a large sample size to give an accurate estimate for the whole pop.
STATISTICS IN EVERYDAY LIFEYou hear it in the news all the time – “50% chance of rain” or “Studies show”Or when thinking about risk – the probability of an unwanted outcome – like getting struck by lightening.
MODELSRepresentations of objects or systems. There are different kinds:
-physical models: 3D models you can touch-graphical models: maps and charts-conceptual models: verbal or graphical explanation for how a system works or is organized. Like a flow chart, or a drawing, or verbal description.-Mathematical model: one or more equations that represent the way a system or process works. Useful in cases w/ many variables. used to make digital images and represent systems
CH2.3: MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS
Values need to be considered when making environmental decisions.Values – principles or standards we consider important. aesthetic - what is beautiful or pleasing economic - the gain or loss of money or jobs environmental - the protection of natural resources educational - the accumulation and sharing of knowledge ethical/moral - what is right or wrong health - the maintenance of human health recreational - human leisure activities scientific - understanding of the natural world social/cultural - the maintenance of human communities and their values and traditions
AN ENVIRONMENTAL DECISION-MAKING MODEL:Having a systematic way of analyzing issues and deciding what is important-Decision-making models – conceptual model that gives a process for making decisions.o A simple one: gather info, consider values, explore consequences, make a decision.
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