Summary of Tools of Science: Testable Questions
Summary of "Tools of Science: testable questions"
This video explains the importance of testable questions in scientific research, using the example of marine microbiologists Kim and Kay studying how light affects the interaction between a phytoplankton species (Emiliania huxleyi) and the virus that infects it.
Main Ideas and Concepts
- Curiosity and Questions in Science:
Scientists from diverse fields all begin their work by asking questions driven by curiosity. However, not all questions are suitable for scientific investigation. - testable questions:
A testable question is a specific type of question that can be answered through experiments and observations. It must be clear enough to design experiments that yield meaningful, measurable results. - Example Context:
Kim and Kay study how light influences the infection process between E. huxleyi (a phytoplankton that relies on sunlight) and its virus. Their initial broad question was:
"How does light affect host-virus interactions?"
This question was too broad and not testable as it could have many possible answers. - SMART acronym for testable questions:
The video introduces the SMART criteria to refine broad questions into testable ones:- S - Specific: The question must have one clear, defined answer.
- M - Measurable: The question should lead to results that can be quantified or observed.
- A - Achievable: The question must be answerable with available resources, time, and equipment.
- R - Relevant: The question should focus on conditions or factors that actually matter in the real-world context being studied.
- T - Temporal: The question should be framed within a specific timeframe.
Methodology: Refining a Broad Question into a Testable Question
- Start with a broad curiosity:
How does light affect host-virus interactions? - Make it Specific:
Change to: Does light affect host-virus interactions? (Yes/No question)
Then refine to: Does light at different wavelengths and intensities affect host-virus interactions? - Ensure it is Measurable:
- Measure light intensity and wavelength.
- Measure infected vs. non-infected cells.
- Narrow down light intensities that do not harm the host but affect the virus.
- Check Achievability:
- Confirm availability of equipment (adjustable lights, flow cytometer, sample cultures).
- Confirm ability to grow organisms in the lab.
- Confirm time available for experiments.
- Confirm Relevance:
Focus on wavelengths and intensities of light actually present in the ocean environment. - Add Temporal Component:
Define the timeframe of interest (e.g., first 24-48 hours of infection).
Final Testable Question
"Does light at the wavelengths present in the ocean and intensities that do not affect the host affect the virus in the first 24 to 48 hours of infection?"
Additional Insights
- Scientists often think about these criteria implicitly rather than explicitly using the SMART acronym every time.
- testable questions are fundamental because they allow for experiments that produce meaningful and interpretable data.
- This approach can be applied broadly in science education and professional research.
Speakers/Sources Featured
- Kim – Marine microbiologist at Rutgers University
- Kay – Marine microbiologist at Rutgers University
- Narrator/Host – Explains concepts and guides through the SMART acronym process
If you want to learn more about scientific tools and methodologies, the video encourages subscribing and watching related content.
Category
Educational