the scientific method Flashcards
what is biology
Biology is the study of living things
What are the main areas of biology
Anatomy Botany Genetics Biochemistry Physiology Ecology Microbiology
what is the scientific method
The scientific method is a process used to identify problems and test possible explanations to these problems using experimentation
what are the steps in the scientific method
- Make an observation
- Form a hypothesis
- Design and carry out an experiment to test the hypothesis
- Collect and Interpret results
- Form a conclusion
- Relate the conclusion to the hypothesis
- Report and publish results in scientific journals
what is a hypothesis
A hypothesis is an testable, educated guess based on observations
how do you relate the theory to the hypothesis
The hypothesis should be either supported, changed, or rejected based on these
results
A theory is a hypothesis that has been supported by many different experiments
what are the Principles of ‘Good’ Experimentation
- Carefully plan the
experiment - Consider safety procedures
- Have a control experiment
- Sample size
- Random Selection
- The experiment must be able
to be replicated - Use Double-Blind testing
Carefully plan the
experiment
Only one factor (variable) should
be changed
All other factors should be kept
constant
Consider safety procedures
Wear safety goggles
Tie back long hair
Good hand washing
Handle chemicals with care etc .
Have a control experiment
A control experiment is used to
compare the actual experiment
to
There should only be one
difference between the control
and the experiment
Sample size
Test as large a sample as
possible within the time
constraints of the experiment
This gives more reliable results
Random Selection
When choosing a sample for the
experiment, the selection should
be random
This prevents bias and leads to
more accurate results
The experiment must be able
to be replicated
A replicate is a repeat of an
experiment
Use Double-Blind testing
Double-blind testing means that neither the investigator nor the
participant in the experiment are aware of the nature of the
treatment that the participant is receiving
Using double-blind testing eliminates bias
what are the Limitations of the Scientific Method
The extent of our knowledge
Badly designed investigation
Incorrect interpretation of results
Changes in the natural world
Accidental discoveries
Ethical issues
