Mom Always Liked You Best

Examining the Hypothesis of Parental Favoritism

Author:	Clyde Freeman Herreid Department of Biological Sciences University at Buffalo herreid@buffalo.edu
Abstract:	This interrupted case study is based on a journal article on the parenting behavior of American coots. Working through the case, students develop hypotheses and design experiments to test their hypotheses as they are given pieces of the case in an interrupted, or progressive disclosure, case format. The case teaches students about the scientific method. As such, it would be useful in any course where one wishes to emphasize how scientists go about solving problems. The subject matter of the case makes it suitable for courses in biology, especially those focusing on evolution and ecology, and the case can be used with both science majors and non-science majors.
Objectives:	Help students develop a clear, rigorous, and structured approach to solving problems. Give students practice in designing experiments. Give students practice in making predictions and interpreting data. Give students an explicit experience with the hypothetico-deductive method of reasoning, i.e., “the scientific method,” where a question is asked, a hypothesis suggested, predictions or deductions made in light of the hypothesis, tests accomplished, and the data evaluated as to whether it supports or rejects the hypothesis.
Keywords:	Coot; bird; plumage; parental favoritism; preferential feeding; animal behavior; experimental design
Topical Area:	Scientific method
Educational Level:	High school, Undergraduate lower division
Formats:	PDF
Type/Method:	Interrupted
Language:	English
Subject Headings:	Biology (General) Science (General) Ecology Evolutionary Biology Zoology
Date Posted:	02/16/01
Date Modified:	N/A
Copyright:	Copyright held by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Please see our usage guidelines, which outline our policy concerning permissible reproduction of this work.

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