Studying Environmental Science

Interdisciplinary Broad Perspective A scientific approach to understanding the world

Draws on diverse disciplines, skills, and interests

No boundaries; Global system of interdependent societies

• ecosystems • biogeochemical cycles • biomes • climate • biodiversity • ecological services • biological communities

Observation Scientific Method Quantitative Reasoning Uncertainty Critical and Analytical Thinking

The first step in understanding Details and evaluation of factors involved

Orderly approach to asking questions rigor and discipline

How to compare and interpret data perceive what they show about relevant problems

Natural: Observation of events that already happened Manipulative: Conditions deliberately altered and all variables held constant

comparing a treatment (exposed) group with a control (unexposed) group

Not knowing which group is treated until during analysis; used to prevent researcher bias

Knowing limits to our knowledge Can improve confidence on what we know

Examining what you think and why you think it Acknowledging uncertainty

Measurement Error Sampling Error Model Error

Difference between measured variable and its true quantity

Cannot be completely eliminated due to variations in space and time

Models are approximates; assumed parameters and variables that make up the model

Interdisciplinary Thinking Critical Thinking Systems Thinking

Contributions from multiple fields and disciplines

Using reason to evaluate information with healthy skepticism

Not losing sight of the bigger picture

• lack of baseline data • need large-scale changes • Differing opinions • constantly changing conditions • perspective and behavioral change