NAME: Leah Venice M. Canson COURSE & YR.

: BSPSYC - 1
OFFER CODE: 6124 SCHEDULE: Friday 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

SCIENTIFIC METHOD
EXERCISE 1

The goal of every science is to provide explanations for observed phenomena and to
establish generalizations that can predict the relations between these and other phenomena.
Scientific method is a set of logical procedure or guidelines used to test specific proposition.
This method involves a series of steps in collecting and organizing information in an orderly and
careful investigation.

Objectives:

At the end of this laboratory exercise, students will be able to:

 Understand the scientific process through the scientific method

 Appreciate the purpose of the scientific method to create an experiment in their daily life
 Understand key terms related to the scientific method: observation, hypothesis,
experiment, result, conclusion; and
 Apply this scientific process in doing future research.

PROBLEM SET 1

You are concerned about the rate of death in

catfish your aquaculture operation in tanks that
have a high amount of algae growth. You collect
some of the algae and send it to the university to
have it identified. You find that it is a blue-green
alga called Anabaena. Anabaena is known to be
toxic to fish. You design an experiment to test how
much of the algae the fish can stand before they
die. You obtain 6 large aquariums (all the same
size) and fill them with water taken from a healthy Figure 1. Anabaena (Source: t.ly/aRLd)

catfish pond at your operation. You put each

University of San Jose - Recoletos

Zoology Laboratory Exercise 1

 NAME: Leah Venice M. Canson COURSE & YR.: BSPSYC - 1
OFFER CODE: 6124 SCHEDULE: Friday 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

aquarium on the same bench in the laboratory, where the light and temperature values are
identical. You let the water stand for one day before starting the experiment. In aquarium 1,
you add 2 grams of algae and no fish. In aquarium 2, you add 20 small catfish and no algae.
Aquarium 3 gets 20 catfish and 2 grams of algae, #4 gets 20 catfish and 4 grams of algae, #5
gets 20 catfish and 8 grams of algae, and aquarium #6 gets 20 catfish and 16 grams of algae.
The aeration rate of each aquarium is identical. You make two observations at the same time
each day for two weeks. You keep track of the numbers of fish in each tank that die.

1. What is the problem?

Since the scenario covers the rate of death in catfish in aquaculture operations, the main
cause should be identified. In this experiment, the rate of death of catfish in aquaculture was
due to the high amount of algae (Anabaena) growth, hence, it would be considered as a
problem. Due to this, this question was formulated;

Problem: How does the amount of algae growth contribute to the number of deaths in catfish?

2. What is your hypothesis?

Because of the problem, the following hypothesis was formulated:

Hypothesis 1: If there is a high amount of algae in the aquarium, the death rate of catfish is high.

Hypothesis 2: If there is a small number of algae in the aquarium, the death rate of catfish is
low.

Hypothesis 3: If there is an excess amount of light exposure in the water, the temperature
increases, causing a rapid increase of growth in algae.

3. What is the independent variable?

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Zoology Laboratory Exercise 2

 NAME: Leah Venice M. Canson COURSE & YR.: BSPSYC - 1
OFFER CODE: 6124 SCHEDULE: Friday 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

The independent variable is the number of algae in grams. This is considered as the
independent variable because it is an aspect that is manipulated and assumed to affect the
dependent variables. Besides, this also determines how it impacts the survivability of the catfish
and why it is very hazardous to them.

4. What is the dependent variable?

The dependent variables are the catfish. It is the variable being tested or measured in
this experiment. It is considered as ‘dependent’ because such an experiment would not be done
accordingly if the independent variable is absent. Thus, the number of catfish is a stand-alone
aspect in this setup. It is concluded that if the amount of algae changes, the death rate of the
catfish will also change.

5. How many trials are there for each treatment?

Each treatment has undergone two trials, with the researcher conducting two
observations every day at the same time for two weeks.

6. What things are held constant?

 The two aquariums are what is constant upon experimenting because it is only missing
1 variable. It is intended to have constants to visualize the effects of the 3rd to 6th
aquarium.

 Other things held constant are water, light, and the aquarium’s location because these
three are the only ones not being altered in the experiment.

University of San Jose - Recoletos

Zoology Laboratory Exercise 3

 NAME: Leah Venice M. Canson COURSE & YR.: BSPSYC - 1
OFFER CODE: 6124 SCHEDULE: Friday 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

PROBLEM SET 2

You have planted corn in a field with clay soil. The field is predominantly flat with a slight slope
at one end where a creek borders the field. You notice that germination and growth is slowest
in the flattest portion of the field. Conversely, you also notice that you received good
germination and rapid growth on the slight hill which meets the creek. You wonder why there
should be differences in growth and germination in different parts of the field. Is it due to the
extra water near the creek? Is there something different about the soil in that portion of the
field, or is it due to the difference in slope (north, south, east, and west).

1. What is your hypothesis for this problem?

If we use clay soil to plant corn, then some parts of the cornfield will be dry and
will cause clogging. On the other hand, if we use loamy soil, which has a good drainage
capability, it will be fertile, and it will also contain different minerals and nutrients, it is much clear
that the later set up can produce corn plants effectively.

The situation shows that the germination and growth of corn are much slow in the flattest
portion of the field while there is good germination and rapid growth in the light hill closer to the
extra as it is situated near the creek. To be able to access what affects the germination and
growth of the plant, the following hypothesis had been formulated:

Hypothesis 1: There is an additional nutritional substance seeping from the creek that
supports the better growth and germination of the plants that are planted near the creek.

Hypothesis 2: The soil either has less fertilizer, more weed pressure, and insect pressure.

University of San Jose - Recoletos

Zoology Laboratory Exercise 4

 NAME: Leah Venice M. Canson COURSE & YR.: BSPSYC - 1
OFFER CODE: 6124 SCHEDULE: Friday 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

2. Design an experiment to test the hypothesis you have written (make sure you include a
procedure [step by step list of what you will do], an independent variable (IV), a
independent variable (DV), treatments, trials, and constants.

To test the hypothesis, it must be conducted in a place that you can acquire 8 soil
samples, where 4 of them would come from the flattest portion of the field while the other 4
would come from the soil near the creek. For this experiment, the soil from the two different
locations would undergo 4 different setups.

For the first set-up, the first plot would be filled with soil from the flattest portion of the
field, while the second plot would be filled with soil near the creek. Both of the plots would be
planted with corn.

For the second set-up, the third and fourth plots filled with the soil from the flattest
portion of the field and near the creek, both planted with corn, respectively, would both
consistently be hydrated/moist with water.

For the third setup, the fifth and sixth soil samples from the flattest portion of the field
and near the creek both planted with corn, respectively, would be transferred near the creek
with the same slope.

For the fourth set-up, the seventh and eighth soil samples from the flattest portion of the
field and near the creek, both planted with corn, respectively, would be transferred at the flattest
portion of the field.

With these set-ups, we could identify how the water content and the slope of the soil
would affect the germination and growth of the corn, as well as to know if there is a significant
difference between the clay soil on the flattest portion field and near the creek.

For this experiment, the independent variable is the two types of soil, while the
dependent variable would be the germination and growth of the corn. The constant variable
would be the water content in set-up 2 and slope on the set up 3 and 4.

The experiment will be held in a garden, as there will be weeds and insects. With these
present, some corn will experience more stress during the growing season, and with more
stress, the plant doesn't grow and develop well. Corn seeds of the same species will be used in
the experiment. All will go through the same process to have their germination stimulated. They
will remain in the garden for 90 days, wherein they will be observed each day. Then, finally,
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Zoology Laboratory Exercise 5

 NAME: Leah Venice M. Canson COURSE & YR.: BSPSYC - 1
OFFER CODE: 6124 SCHEDULE: Friday 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

each corn will be compared to each treatment, where the difference will be evaluated and
gained to our conclusion of whether our hypothesis is valid or not.

Trials

Soil that will be utilized

Constants

A portion of the location where the plant will be placed

Main variables of Photosynthesis

3. Is the scientific method just for “Scientists?” Why is it important that a non-science
student understand the scientific method?

The scientific method is not just for scientists, but it can be used for non-science
professions. It helps non-science students to analyze, observe, interpret and gather answers
from their investigations through the scientific method. It assists them in creating their
hypothesis and theory.

4. How do you think that this method can be used in everyday life?

Every day and every minute, we observe and recognize things in our surroundings in
how they've been made, and how they do such things. We always think and have a question in
mind. To answer our curiosity, we apply the scientific method to have answers and
assumptions.

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Zoology Laboratory Exercise 6

 NAME: Leah Venice M. Canson COURSE & YR.: BSPSYC - 1
OFFER CODE: 6124 SCHEDULE: Friday 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

5. What is the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable?

How are these different from constants?
An independent variable is a variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific
experiment to best the effects on the dependent variable. While dependent variable is a variable
being tested and measured in a scientific experiment.

REFLECTIVE QUESTION:
Answer briefly.

How is scientific method significant to your degree?

Its because it helps our research, especially about psychological to have broadened
theories and data. It assists us in gathering and organizing facts in a methodical and thorough
examination. The scientific method is a very big part, not just of my degree but all degrees.

References:
Reading: The Scientific Method | Sociology. (2011). Retrieved 31, 2021, from
Lumenlearning.com website: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/alamo
sociology/chapter/the-scientific-method/

Causes, Effects and Solutions To Algal Bloom on Aquatic Ecosystems - Conserve Energy
Future. (2020, August 16). Retrieved September 1, 2021, from Conserve Energy Future
website:https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-algal-
bloom.php?fbclid=IwAR1tDWKxLIHCwU-UvW3tlcLOpW0zDL01i3c-
me8oLH5YTmSqWzPux13BWFI

How to Grow Corn. (2016). Retrieved September 1, 2021, from MSU Extension website:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/how_to_grow_corn?
fbclid=IwAR0XVOUhIq6Dn_Sy5uocpn6PkqoUph-18r7ZMeHIa7sJ-KBnHUKqnrb8pnU.

‌ https://www.facebook.com/thespruceofficial. (2020). How to Fight Algae Overgrowth in

Your Aquarium. Retrieved September 2, 2021, from The Spruce Pets website:
https://www.thesprucepets.com/aquarium-algae-1379979

Fields, H. (2019, June 7). Soil Requirements for Growing... Retrieved September 2,
2021, from EcoFarming Daily website: https://www.ecofarmingdaily.com/grow-crops/grow-
corn/soil-requirements/

University of San Jose - Recoletos

Zoology Laboratory Exercise 7

 NAME: Leah Venice M. Canson COURSE & YR.: BSPSYC - 1
OFFER CODE: 6124 SCHEDULE: Friday 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

‌ Will Corn Grow In Clay Soil: 5 Great Tips! - Home Garden Vegetables. (2020,
November 24). Retrieved September 2, 2021, from Home Garden Vegetables website:
https://homegardenveg.com/will-corn-grow-in-clay-soil-5-great-tips/

Admin, W. (2020, October 20). Blue Green Algae in Ponds. Magnolia Fisheries. Retrieved
rom https://magnoliafisheries.com/blue-green-algae-control-ponds/

Gay, J. (2021, April 27). How to get rid of algae in a fish tank naturally. Swell UK.
Retrieved from https://www.swelluk.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-algae-in-a-fish-tank-
naturally/

Killers at sea: Harmful algal blooms and their impact on aquaculture « Global
Aquaculture Advocate. (2019, July 16). Global Aquaculture Alliance. Retrieved from
https://www.aquaculturealliance.org/advocate/killers-at-sea-harmful-algal-blooms-and-
their-impact-on-aquaculture/

The Effects: Environment. (2021, March 01). US EPA. Retrieved from

https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/effects-environment

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Zoology Laboratory Exercise 8