The Scientific Method

Question 1

What is biology?

Answer 1

The study of life.

Question 2

What are three examples of areas of study in biology?

Answer 2

1. Botany: the study of plants
2. Genetics: the study of genetics and inheritance
3. Zoology: the study of animals

Question 3

What is a microorganism?

Answer 3

Living organisms that can only be seem using a microscope.

Question 4

What are some examples of microorganisms?

Answer 4

Bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.

Question 5

What is meant by the term ‘to replicate’?

Answer 5

To make an exact coy of something or to repeat an experiment.

Question 6

What is an example of an organism that replicates?

Answer 6

Viruses.

Question 7

What is the scientific method?

Answer 7

A process of investigation carried out in order to explain observations made in the natural world.

Question 8

(8 steps)

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Answer 8

1. Observation
2. Hypothesis
3. Experimentation
4. Collecting and interpreting data
5. Forming conclusions
6. Analysing conclusions
7. Reporting and publishing results
8. Development of theory and principle

Question 9

What is observation?

Answer 9

The taking in of information received about the natural world.

Question 10

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 10

A hypothesis is an educated guess based on an observation.

Question 11

What is experimentation?

Answer 11

A test to determine the validity of a hypothesis.

Question 12

What is a conclusion?

Answer 12

An explanation of the results.

Question 13

Where are results published?

Answer 13

Scientific journals, e.g. Science or Nature

Question 14

What is a theory?

Answer 14

A comprehensive explanation of an important aspect of nature supported by results gathered over long periods of time.

Question 15

What is a law/principle?

Answer 15

A definite, factual explanation of an important aspect of nature.

Question 16

(7)

What are the principles of experimentation?

Answer 16

1. Careful planning and design
2. Safety procedures
3. Experimental control
4. Large sample size
5. Random selection
6. Replication
7. Double-blind testing and placebos

Question 17

What is a variable?

Answer 17

A factor that is changed in the course of an experiment.

Question 18

What is an independent and dependent variable?

Answer 18

• Independent - what you change
• Dependent - what you measure

Question 19

(Give a few examples, not all)

What are some common lab safety rules?

Answer 19

• Wear safety goggles
• Tie back long hair
• Wear a lab coat
• Report all breakages
• Remove trip hazards
• Don’t enter without a teacher
• Be aware of the fire safety equipment
• Don’t touch your face (mouth/eyes)
• Always wash your hands when leaving
• No eating or drinking

Question 20

What is a control?

Answer 20

Provides the standard with which the results of the experiment group can be compared.

Question 21

What is an example of a good control?

Answer 21

Water

Question 22

What is sample size?

Answer 22

Refers to how many items, chemicals or living organisms are to be included in an experiment.

Question 23

In general, what does a larger sample size result in?

Answer 23

A more accurate experiment.

Question 24

What is random selection?

Answer 24

The process of choosing without method or conscious choice, subjects or items to be tested.

Question 25

What is double-blind testing?

Answer 25

An experiment where neither the tester nor the patient know what treatment is being given.

Question 26

What is a placebo?

Answer 26

A substance with no active medication.

Question 27

# (Name a few, not all) What are some limitations to the scientific method?

Answer 27

1. The extent of basic knowledge 2. The basis of investigation 3. Intepretation of results 4. Application to a changing world 5. Accidental discovery