3.1a Scientfic method

Question 1

Scientific method

Answer 1

Observation; construction of a testable hypothesis; experimental design; gathering, recording, and analysis of data; evaluation of results and conclusions; the formation of a revised hypothesis where necessary.

Question 2

Refinement of ideas

Answer 2

Scientific knowledge can be thought of as the current best explanation, which may then be updated after evaluation of further experimental evidence.

Question 3

Null hypothesis

Answer 3

That there will be no statistically significant effect as a result of the experiment treatment. If there is evidence for an effect, unlikely due to chance, then the null hypothesis is rejected.

Question 4

When do scientific ideas become accepted?

Answer 4

Scientific ideas only become accepted once they have been checked independently. Effects must be reproducible; one-off results are treated with caution.