The Scientific Method Flashcards
What is Biology?
The study of living things
What is the scientific method?
The organised approach to solving problems
Scientific Method
Observation
Hypothesis
Experiment
Data
Conclusion
Report
Hypothesis
Educated guess based on observation
Control Experiment
An experiment set up to compare the results of the actual experiment against
Data
Information gathered relevant to the experiment
Theory
Hypothesis that has been supported by repeated results
Principal/Law
A theory that has shown to be true under all conditions over a long period of time
Limitations of the scientific method
- Level of basic knowledge
- Ability to interpret Data
- Accidental discoveries
- Method of Experiment
- Human Error
Principals of Experimentation
- Careful planning and design
- Freedom from bias
- Safety procedures
- Suitable control
- Large random sample
- Results that can be repeated and verified
Bias
When someone has a preferred outcome
Why is a large sample size important?
Reduce risk of bias and reduce risk of jumping to conclusions
Replicate
Exact copy of an experiment
Why carry out a replicate?
- To prove results
- To prevent jumping to conclusions
Double blind testing
Experiment in which neither the tester nor the person being tested know who is getting the placebo and who is getting the real treatment.
