1.5
Step 1: Make observations.

Scientific study always begins with observations: we simply look for interesting patterns or cause-and-effect relationships. This is where a great deal of the creativity of science comes from. In the case of eyewitness testimony, DNA technologies have made it possible to assess whether tissue such as hair or blood from a crime scene came from a particular suspect. Armed with these tools, the U.S. Justice Department recently reviewed 28 criminal convictions that had been overturned by DNA evidence. It found that in most of the cases, the strongest evidence against the defendant had been eyewitness identification. The observation here is that many defendants who are later found to be innocent were initially convicted based on eyewitness testimony.

Opportunities for other interesting observations are unlimited. Using the scientific method, we can (and will) also answer our two other questions.

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Many people have claimed that consuming extracts of the herb echinacea can reduce the intensity or duration of symptoms of the common cold (FIGURE 1-8). We can ask: how do you know this is true?

Figure 1-8The first step of science: making observations about the world.

Some people have suggested that shaving hair from your face, legs, or anywhere else causes the hair to grow back coarser and darker. Is this true?

Using the scientific method, we can answer these questions.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE 1.5

The scientific method begins by making observations about the world, noting apparent patterns or cause-and-effect relationships.

Provide an example of an observation about the world that could lead to a scientific study.

The textbook mentions apparent connections between echinacea and cold symptoms and apparent connections between shaving and the coarseness of hair. You may be able to think of other examples. Remember: good scientific observations note possible patterns or cause-and-effect relationships.