Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
The Interconnected Nature of Science
It is important to demonstrate that each discovery in science builds upon a previous
discovery, and skeletal biology is no exception. Biological anthropology, like many disciplines,
is a field that taps into discoveries and advances in several other areas of science. For example,
knowledge from anatomy, biology, and medicine is essential for understanding the human
skeleton and the evolutionary processes that affect it. Paleoanthropologists rely heavily on
knowledge from geology and paleontology. Forensic anthropologists who study taphonomy
learn about some taphonomic processes from paleontological research. Chemistry is a key
discipline with discoveries that have led to isotope analysis and radiometric dating, applicable
for anthropologists working in past or prehistoric time periods. Advances in physics and engi-
neering have led to the invention of advanced technologies we utilize, such as ground pene-
trating radar. It is essential to appreciate the importance of this multidisciplinary nature of
science, how it relates to skeletal biology, and your particular interests. Do not neglect search-
ing for information within related disciplines (or collaborating with scientists in other fields),
as a method or discovery in a related field may positively contribute to your own inquiry. For
an example, refer to the case study at the end of this chapter.
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
The development of the scientific method is often credited to Galileo due in part to his
experiments with the physics of motion. While scholars debate this attribution, the fact
remains that his experiments did follow the sequence of the method as we use it today
(
Shapere, 1974; Sharratt, 1994
). The sequence is as follows: (1) make an observation about
something; (2) state the problem/question; (3) formulate a hypothesis; (4) design and carry out
the methods; (5) analyze the data to arrive at results; (6) come to a conclusion; and finally, (7)
communicate with others. Steps 1
e
6 are covered below and Step 7 is covered by DiGangi
(Chapter 17), this volume. See
Table 2.1
.
From a philosophical standpoint, there are several approaches we can take to any given
scientific inquiry. The approach you take with your project will depend on the type of obser-
vation made and/or question that you have (see upcoming sections). The two major ways
that we can approach scientific inquiry are through
induction
and
deduction
. Inductive
approaches follow closely the organization of the scientific method as discussed throughout
this chapter: an observation that leads to hypothesis formation, and later, theory (
Snieder and
Larner, 2009
). For example, Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection followed an
TABLE 2.1 Steps of the Scientific Method
1.
Observation
2.
Problem/Question
3.
Hypothesis
4.
Methods
5.
Results
6.
Conclusion
7.
Communication
