notes

Biology Chapter 1


Evidence
+ Science the
process of using observations +
·

:

scientific experiments to draw conclusions based on evidence
methods >
-




science is of method of
a
way knowing a
·

,

answers to questions on the basis of
seeking
observation + experimentation
·
scientists draw conclusions from the best
evidence they have given at the moment ,
the

process is not always easy or straightforward
conclusions based today's evidence be
may
·
on

modified in the future as scientists uncover
additional data or make better observations

·

improved technology may support more-refined data

gathering, this new into can cast a different light on
old conclusions


science is a
never-ending process
·




in the
·
quest to draw sound conclusions , scientists
different types of evidence
rely on

, Biology Chapter 1


·

anecdotal evidence informal observation
: an

that has not been systematically tested

·
this kind of evidence is based on personal ,
often
first-hand observations ,
but is often unreliable , by
only 1 or a few data points are involved ,
it's not
possible to draw firm conclusions

·
anecdotal evidence can feel
very persuasive ,
if it seems to corroborate what we have
especially
"seen with our own
eyes" or feels right in our gut ,


this sort of evidence often fuels
many scientific
controversies you read about in the news

·
anecdotal evidence is often unreliable it
although ,


can be a
starting point for a scientific investigation .
as an observation it can lead you to formulated
,


question that you want to investigate further .


When scientists seek to answer question
a
they
·


,

begin by reviewing existing literature on the topic
,
this information is available in online databases
of journal articles and in
university libraries