Variables in Experiments and Investigations Lower_03

In baseball, pitching machines used for batting practice are similar in some ways to an experiment. The hitter sees how well he can hit a ball that is thrown the same way every time. Unfortunately, baseball players must play in actual games. Those games are outside in the real world, so they must leave the controlled setting of the batting cage behind. Do scientists ever leave the controlled setting of the lab?

Sometimes scientists leave their controlled settings. This is much like leaving the batting cage. At times, scientists may need to leave their labs. They must go out into the outdoors. For instance, biologists study what animals do and where they go. It would be hard to study these patterns in a lab.

First, it would be difficult to recreate all the variables. Also, animals might act differently in captivity. It is best to study them in their own natural environment.

Field work requires a different way to collect data. For example, biologists keep detailed notes. They describe every observation in great detail. These scientists know that things they observe will be more than one variable. These variables may affect the animal’s routine. Changes in weather may cause animals to seek shelter. The year’s climate may affect where the animal chooses to travel. Too little rain may cause a shortage of food. In this case, animals may be forced to move to another location.

Biology is not alone. There are other fields of Science that cannot control or manipulate variables. Astronomers study objects that are very large and very far away. They must base all their conclusions on observations. It is not possible to make changes in outer space. Scientists that study space may not be doing experiments, but they are still doing Science. There are always variables. It just depends on whether or not they can be controlled or manipulated. When it is possible, then an experiment can be done.

When variables cannot be manipulated, scientists use another method. This method is called an investigation. Both methods are Science. They are just different ways of gaining knowledge.

Baseball analysts, biologists, and astronomers have much in common. All three carry out careful observations. They all face the challenge of uncontrolled variables. They both compare and contrast patterns. Their goal is to learn about these patterns. One is looking at the ball player’s “true” ability. It is tough to gauge a player’s ability when they are only in a batting cage. Scientists can face this same problem. Some things need to be studied in a natural setting. Sometimes the ability to control variables does not exist.

Andrew McCutchen may prefer the controlled environment of the batting cage. Unfortunately, baseball players do not get to use them in actual games. Just as in baseball, some things must be studied in their natural settings. When you think about Science, you can also think about Andrew. At times, he is in control of the conditions, like the batting cage. Other times he is not, like in an actual game. In Science, sometimes variables cannot be controlled or manipulated. In these cases, an investigation is set up. Other times, variables can be controlled and manipulated. When this happens, an experiment takes place.