Chapter 1 - Scientific Method

Question 0

Hypothesis

Answer 0

An educated guess based on observations

Question 1

What is the scientific method? What are the 8 steps?

Answer 1

1) Making observations
2) Forming a hypothesis - a possible reason for the observation
3) Having a controlled experiment to test the hypothesis
4) Collecting and interpreting data (results gathered)
5) Forming a conclusion
6) Comparing the conclusion with existing knowledge
7) Reporting and publishing the results ( online or in a scientific journal )
8) Developing theories and principles.

Question 2

Data

Answer 2

The information gathered in experiments

Question 3

A theory

Answer 3

Is an explanation based on repeated hypotheses and experimentation. A hypothesis becomes a theory when it is supported by a large number of observations and experiments and has so far not been proven wrong. E.g - the theory of evolution.

Question 4

A principle or law

Answer 4

Arises from a theory when it is seen always to be true under all conditions over a long period of time.

Question 5

Ethics

Answer 5

Whether issues are right or wrong

Question 6

Control

Answer 6

Is set up for comparison

Question 7

Replicate

Answer 7

Is a repeat of an experiment

Question 8

Experiment

Answer 8

Is a test of a hypothesis

Question 9

Example of limitations of the Scientific method

Answer 9

Lack of basic knowledge.

Lack of a control

Misinterpreting results

Accidental discoveries - fleming’s discovery of penicillin.

Question 10

Importance of double blind testing

Answer 10

To avoid bias

To avoid the placebo effect