Ch. 1.3 the Methods of Biology

Question 1

What is the scientific method?

Answer 1

1. Make observations. 2. Form a hypothesis. 3. Collect and analyze data. 4. Evaluate and publish results. 5. Form a theory.

Question 2

How do you make observations?

Answer 2

Using your senses.

Question 3

**What is a hypothesis?

Answer 3

An educated guess to test an explanation or to answer a question.

Question 4

Collect and analyze data includes?

Answer 4

Experimenting to collect the data.

Question 5

Evaluate and publish results and ……

Answer 5

Possibly begin the cycle again.

Question 6

What will other scientists do?

Answer 6

They will analyze the procedure, examine the evidence, identify faulty reasoning, point out statements that go beyond the evidence and suggest alternative explanations for the same observations.

Question 7

**Form a scientific theory =

Answer 7

A hypothesis that is supported by a large body of scientific evidence.

Question 8

If necessary, scientists develop a _____ hypothesis or ________ the theory.

Answer 8

New, revise.

Question 9

**What is a controlled experiment?

Answer 9

It involves two groups - a control group and an experimental group.

Question 10

The control group =

Answer 10

The part of the experiment that is the standard against which results are compared ( nothing changes).

Question 11

The experimental group =

Answer 11

The test group that receives experimental treatment (something, variable has been changed).

Question 12

**Three parts to designing an experiment?

Answer 12

1. Independent variable. 2. Dependent variable. 3. Constants.

Question 13

**What is the independent variable?

Answer 13

The condition in the experiment that is tested.

Question 14

**What is the dependent variable?

Answer 14

The condition that results from changes in the independent variable.

Question 15

**What are constants?

Answer 15

Are conditions that are kept the same.

Question 16

**Quantitative data?

Answer 16

Information that can be measured.

Question 17

**Qualitative data?

Answer 17

Information about qualities, cannot be measured.

Question 18

**Descriptive investigation?

Answer 18

Involves describing and/or quantifying parts of a natural system. E.g., observing cells under a microscope and diagramming what is seen.

Question 19

**Comparative investigation?

Answer 19

Involves collecting data on different populations/organisms under different conditions (e.g., times of year) to make a comparison.

Question 20

**Experimental investigation?

Answer 20

A fair test is designed in which variables are actively manipulated, controlled and measured in an effort to gather evidence to support or refute a causal relationship. E.g., adjusting the height of a ramp to determine how far a marble will roll.

Question 21

**Scientific law?

Answer 21

A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes some aspects of the universe.