Read and analyze
the following cases.
Ø Case A
In 1928, Alexander Fleming, a researcher,
unintentionally left a dish (in which bacteria were growing) exposed in his
laboratory when he went on vacation. When he returned, he noticed certain areas
of the culture medium where no bacteria were growing. Upon investigation, it
turned out that those areas were occupied by the mold Penicillium notaum.
He investigated the phenomenon further. His
experiment showed that the mold produced a substance (which he called
penicillin) and that this substance prevented the growth of certain bacteria.
This was how the first antibiotic was discovered.
Ø
Case B
There was something special about the
science fair sponsored by the Science Education Institute (Department of
Science and Technology) and Intel Philippines in Academic Year 1999-2000. One
of the winning entries was submitted by a high school freshman. Her name is
Karen S. Braganza of Arellano High School, Manila. Her project was titled A Feasibility Study on the Utilization of Mine
Tailing as an Alternative Raw Material for Ceramic Tile and Vase.
As the project title suggests, Karen
studied the feasibility of making tiles and vases using mine tailing. This was
confirmed by her research findings: mine tailing is a low-cost raw materials,
and it can be made into good ceramic tiles and vases. Furthermore, such
utilization of mine tailing offers a solution to one source of environmental
(water and land) pollution.
Karen’s project won awards at both the
national and international levels of the Intel Science Fair.
Ø
Case C
The case of Albert Einstein is unique in
that his brilliant conclusions were derived from thought experiments rather than laboratory experiments. Perhaps his
greatest and most fundamental contribution to science is his general theory of relativity in 1916.
This theory describes the relationship between matter and energy, represented
by the most equation in physics: E = mc2 (where E is energy, m is
mass and c2 is the speed of light squared). This implies that matter
can be converted into energy. In this conversion, the energy produced or
released is equal to the amount of converted mass multiplied by the square of
the speed of light.
Einstein work provided the theoretical
basis of later scientific and technological advances such as electronics, space
travel and the atomic bomb. They also made it possible for us to understand a
wide range of concepts – from the smallest subatomic forces to the secrets of
the unfathomably large universe (from the Big Bang Theory to black holes).
In Search of an Answer
Case
A
is a classic example of what is known as serendipity.
The term refers to the phenomenon of finding something valuable without
intentionally looking for it.
But was accidentally discovered by Fleming
was a phenomenon in itself: there were areas in the culture dish where bacteria
were absent. Instead of bacteria, those areas were occupied by a mold. The
researcher was confronted with the problem: “Why this phenomenon?” This is one
reason why scientists undertake research: to
explain a natural phenomenon.
Case
B
shows other reasons for undertaking research. The researcher (Ms. Braganza) was
looking for an answer that would allow her to make products that were useful, of good quality and beautiful –
ceramic tiles and vases – using mine tailing as raw material.
From another point of view, one can say
that the researcher was looking for a way to
solve a problem: mine tailings
pollute both land and water. The main question is: “How can pollution from mine
tailings be minimized?” Using mine tailing as a raw material for tiles and
vases is certainly one way of eliminating mine tailings from the environment.
Case
C
demonstrates still another purpose of research: to discover and formulate new concepts and theories in search of truth.
To summarize, scientists conduct research
for various reasons including the following:
a. to explain a certain phenomenon;
b. to solve a problem;
c. to find ways of improving people’s lives
through new products, gadgets and processes or ways of doing things; and
d. to discover new concepts and theories in
search of truth.
Steps
to Reach the Answer
There may be variations in the way the
answers to research questions are obtained. But laboratory research activities
follow the same general pattern described below.
a. The researchers identify the problem
they want to investigate. (This step is
called identifying the problem).
b. They try to learn as much about the
problem as possible from all available sources. (This step is called gathering of preliminary data.)
c. Based on step b, they venture a possible
solution to the problem or a possible explanation of the phenomenon (this step
is called formulating a hypothesis).
d. A hypothesis is meant to be tested. This
may involve an experiment. During this step, the researchers gather as much experimental data as necessary to be
able to tell if the hypothesis is correct or not.
e. Then the researchers analyze and
interpret the data obtained in d above. Analysis
of the data or results of the
experiment enables them to list down their findings.
f. Based on the findings in e, they draw a generalization or conclusion regarding
the problem or phenomenon that they are investigating.
g. To verify if their generalization in f above is correct, they try to apply it
to a similar situation and see if it will hold.
