Introduction Page 2 (A Little Background on Investigation)
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Investigation
A Little Background on Investigation
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Scientists ask questions about things and events they have not observed such as Where is Polly the Missing Parrot? Then, they answer their questions by gathering and evaluating evidence.
One way scientists gather evidence is through firsthand observation. Observations are made based on what one can detect through the five senses:
One way scientists gather evidence is through firsthand observation. Observations are made based on what one can detect through the five senses:
Observation 1: I can see the large window is smashed from the outside.
Observation 2: I can smell the fresh bird seed at the bottom of the cage.
Observation 3: I can feel the cat's hair standing up on its back.
Observation 4: I can see the small USB tied to the cage door.
Observation 5: I can taste the uneaten steak on the table.
Observation 6: I can hear the whine of a motorbike.
Observation 2: I can smell the fresh bird seed at the bottom of the cage.
Observation 3: I can feel the cat's hair standing up on its back.
Observation 4: I can see the small USB tied to the cage door.
Observation 5: I can taste the uneaten steak on the table.
Observation 6: I can hear the whine of a motorbike.
Pixabay
Pixabay
Scientists make inferences, good guesses based on evidence. Inferences depend on the evidence that they collect during their investigations.
For example, when scientists see footprints leading from the broken window, they can then make inferences about which direction the bird thief was going. They are not observing the thief moving—they are using evidence to make an inference.
For example, when scientists see footprints leading from the broken window, they can then make inferences about which direction the bird thief was going. They are not observing the thief moving—they are using evidence to make an inference.
Pixabay
Pixabay
Over time, scientists gather more evidence and become more sure of the inferences they have made.
Inferences can be revised as new evidence becomes available.
Finally, the scientist, or detective, can conclude which suspect stole Polly, the parrot.
Finally, the scientist, or detective, can conclude which suspect stole Polly, the parrot.
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