Scientific Method

The Scientific Method is the term used to define the process used by scientists to obtain information. The problem solving portion of Genetics is an ideal place to apply the process to our studies.

The following web site gives us a good description of the scientific method:

http://www.xnet.com/~blatura/skep_1.html

The following is a fusion of the previous with my interpretation.

1. Observe some aspect of the universe. Observe results of a genetic crosses.
2. Invent a theory that is consistent with what you have observed. Develop a theory to describe your observations - [for example a single gene dominant or recessive]
3. Use the theory to make predictions. Choose a Null Hypothesis H0 and an Alternative Hypothesis H1
4. Test those predictions by experiments or further observations. Design an experiment to test the hypothesis.
5. Modify the theory in the light of your results. Accept or Reject your hypotheses ie. reject the null hypothesis and accept an alternative hypothesis.
6. Go to step 3.

Ockham's Razor ("Occam" is a Latinised variant) is the principle proposed by William of Ockham in the fifteenth century that "Pluralitas non est ponenda sine neccesitate", which translates as "entities should not be multiplied unnecessarily". Various other rephrasings have been incorrectly attributed to him. In more modern terms, if you have two theories which both explain the observed facts then you should use the simplest until more evidence comes along.

The Phases of Science or Scientific Investigation

1. Idea
2. Hypothesis
3. Theory
4. Law.

Sites on the world wide web of related interest http://www.scientificmethod.com/

Text iGenetics by Peter J. Russell

This web site is provided for instruction in Botany and Zoology 342

by Kenneth G. Wilson,
Professor of Botany
Miami University
wilsonkg@muohio.edu