Scientific Method Flashcards
What is photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process where plants change light energy and carbon dioxide into usable chemical energy in the form of glucose.
What is needed to comple photosynthesis
Light energy from the sun and a green pigment called chlorophyll
What are the two different types of photosynthesis
oxygenic photosynthesis and anoxygenic photosynthesis.
Define validity
The extent to which an experiment tests what it is supposed to test
What is scientific method
The pattern of steps a scientific investigation usually follows
What are the 8 steps of a scientific investigation
Identify problem, collect info, make hypothesis, prediction, test hypothesis, collect data, interpret, conclude
What is in a good hypothesis
is a definite statement, short, single idea, can be tested, specifies relationship between variables
What are uncontrolled variables
Variables not kept the same for both groups, may be overlooked or unavoidable
What is primary and secondary data
Primary data is data you collect yourself, secondary data is data collected by someone else
What are quantitative and qualitative measurements
quantitative measurements are recordings with numerical values, qualitative measurements are observations made as descriptions
How can bias and error be avoided
Through objectivity by using measurements instead of observations and using a blind experiment
What is objectivity
Not allowing your thought or feelings to influence how you record or interpret observations
What is reliability
How well an experiment can give the same result each time. Achieved through repitition
What is repetition
Performing the same experiment many times OR using a large number of subjects. Increases reliability
What are the three types of error
Human error, Random error and Systematic error
What is human error
A mistake made by a human - avoidable (eg spilling something, wrong calculations)
What is random error
Based on the inability of humans to make measurements with absolute precision. Reduced by taking averages. Eg. Stoping a stopwatch exactly when a race finishes
what is Systematic error
Based on the way an experiment is designed. Results always ‘too high’ or ‘too low’
Name 3 aseptic techniques
Use gloves, safe glasses, be sterile
What are the questions of a risk assessment
What are the possible risks?
How likely are they to occur?
What would the consequences be?
DO THE PROS OUTWEIGHT THE CONS?
What is a blind experiment
when information that may influence the participants of the experiment is withheld until after the experiment is complete
