How to Apply Scientific Methods to Ecological Problems

Scientific methods are a set of established investigation techniques used by scientists to understand the natural world. Methods vary widely, depending on the subject of research but can be generally described as consisting of a hypothesis, experiment, analysis and conclusion. Ecological problems typically result from changes to the balance of life in an ecosystem and are increasing with the environmental damage caused by climate change, industrial growth and accelerating urbanization. Researchers follow several key steps to apply scientific methods to ecological problems in order to understand their causes and effects better.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify the problem. Describe the conditions of the ecological problem, including how it first became apparent and its immediately observable consequences. Conduct a review of research on similar ecological problems and examine how they were identified, studied and addressed. Make note of what scientific methods have been employed for similar research and their respective benefits and limitations.

• 2

  Generate a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon based on what is already known about a subject. The hypothesis should pose a research question about the ecological problem that can be answered using scientific investigation. Make a prediction about whether the hypothesis is true. For example, a study that addresses the decline of fish species in freshwater ecosystems might hypothesize that mercury contamination negatively affects the health of fish and thus predict that it causes species loss.

• 3

  Design an experiment. The study should be designed in order to answer the question posed by the hypothesis. For research on ecological problems, the design of an experiment includes methods for collecting and analyzing data. Because ecological problems affect the relationship between multiple species, including plants, animals and humans, investigators often use a variety of methods, both quantitative and qualitative, to assess their scope and impact. In the book "Scientific Method for Ecological Research" (2000) author E. David Ford of the University of Washington describes the importance of addressing the role of social factors in creating ecological disturbances and emphasizes the need to design studies that investigate these influences alongside biological dimensions.

• 4

  Collect and analyze data. Based on the protocol of the study design, obtain and assess information. This process can be both field and lab-based, depending on the subject, and requires a rigorous system for tracking and categorizing data. Make note of any circumstances that might affect the quality of the data and thus impact the reliability of the results.

• 5

  Draw conclusions. Use the data analysis to establish conclusions about the research question and state whether the hypothesis was proved to be true. Address any possible limitations in the study conclusion, such as insufficient evidence, imprecise measurement techniques or human errors.

• 6

  Make recommendations. Scientific research on ecological problems plays an important role in contributing to positive environmental change and related policy reforms. An integral component of scientific methods is an evidence-based statement that summarizes the cause and effect of the studied problem and offers informed suggestions for remedying it. Additionally, investigators should call attention to aspects of the problem that require further research and offer insights into what other methodological approaches might prove most fruitful in understanding the issue.