Scientific Method Flashcards
8 steps of the scientific method
Observations Hypothesis Controlled experiments Collect and examine the data Draw conclusions Write up results and publish Develop a theory Develop a principle
What Is a hypothesis
A possible explanation of an observation
What gives the starting point for an experiment
The hypothesis
Where do you draw conclusions from?
From the results of the experiment
Where would you publish your paper?
An online scientific journal
What is a theory
A hypothesis that is supported by experiments
What is a principle
A theory that is still found to be true after much time and testing
name 4 principles of experimentation
careful planning and design safety of procedure necessity and selection of an experimental control importance of large sample size -------------------------------------------------- importance of replicating importance of random selection importance of double-blind testing
4 limitations of the scientific method
extent of our basic knowledge ability to interpret the results accidental discovery ethical issues ----------------------------- the basis of investigation state of change in the natural world
how to do careful planning and design
only one variable in the experiment, all other factors should be kept constant
3 safety procedures
wear a lab coat
wear safety goggles when necessary
wash hands before and after handling biological material
why is an experiment control necessary
used for comparison with the results
what are replicates
repeats of an experiment
what is a replicate
a repeat of an experiment
why are replicates important?
reduce bias
