scientific investigation (chapter 1)

Question 1

what are the types of investigations?

Answer 1

observations, controlled experiments, surveys, trial and error, case studies and longitudinal studies

Question 2

what are observations?

Answer 2

• observations occur no matter the procedure
• from them scientists can discover patterns which can draw conclusions

Question 3

what are controlled experiments?

Answer 3

• a.k.a fair tests
• designed to investigate the relationships between factors (variables)
• only altering one variable in experiment

Question 4

what are surveys?

Answer 4

• the process of systemically collecting, analysing and interpreting data collected from a large number of subjects

Question 5

what is trial and error?

Answer 5

• in scientific research is systemic process to solve a problem
• each trial is recorded
• leads to a gradual find of a solution

Question 6

what are case studies?

Answer 6

• an in-depth investigation of a particular person or situation

Question 8

what are longitudinal studies?

Answer 8

• an study that occurs over a long period of time (years or decades)

Question 9

what is the process of scientific method?

Answer 9

1. recognise a problem and define a question
2. collect all data related to question
3. propose a hypothesis
4. test hypothesis using an experiment
5. analyse and interpret the data
6. draw a conclusion, assess if hypothesis was supported or disproved
7. report on investigation

Question 10

safety of an investigation

Answer 10

• it is important that an investigation presents no danger to the participants or to the investigators
• examine design of it and minimise any risks

Question 11

ethical behaviour of an investigation

Answer 11

• voluntary participation:
  subject shouldn’t be pressured into taking part in investigation
• informed consent:
  subject should be fully informed of the details of the investigation and any possible risks
• no risk of harm:
  there should be no risk of physical or psychological harm
• confidentiality:
  the identities of the participants will not be revealed

Question 12

what can improve validity?

Answer 12

• ensure that all variable (apart from the independent variable) are controlled

Question 13

what can improve reliability?

Answer 13

• repetition of trials to eliminate any human error
• the measuring instruments must be the same

Question 14

what can improve accuracy?

Answer 14

• using appropriate measuring intervals and type of measurement

Question 15

calculating the average

Answer 15

• • all values together
• / by the number of values there are
• x100 for % average

Question 16

calculating the median

Answer 16

• order values from lowest to highest
• is the middle number

Question 17

calculating the range

Answer 17

(-) lowest value form highest value

Question 18

calculating the ratio

Answer 18

• 2 values separate by :

Question 19

calculating the percentage change

Answer 19

(new value x old value)/old value x 100