Scientific Method

Question 1

scientific method

Answer 1

a step by step process that leads to knowledge

Question 2

observation

Answer 2

taking in information on the natural world in an unbiased manner

Question 3

hypothesis

Answer 3

an educated guess based on observation

Question 4

experiment

Answer 4

a series of steps carried out to investigate a hypothesis

Question 5

data

Answer 5

observations, measurements, information gathered from an experiment

Question 6

theory

Answer 6

a hypothesis supported by an experiment

Question 7

principle

Answer 7

a proven theory after long term testing

Question 8

control

Answer 8

a standard against which an experiment is compared

Question 9

replicate

Answer 9

a repeat or copy of an experiment

Question 10

biased

Answer 10

unfair

Question 11

double blind testing

Answer 11

a method of preventing bias where neither the tester nor the person being tested knows who is getting the placebo or who is getting the drug

Question 12

ethics

Answer 12

whether something is right or wrong

Question 13

steps in the scientific method

Answer 13

1. Making an observation
2. Forming a hypothesis
3. Designing a controlled experiment to test the hypothesis
4. Collecting and interpreting data
5. Forming a conclusion
6. Developing Theories and principles
7. Reporting and publishing results

Question 14

1. Making an observation

Answer 14

an unbiased, accurate report of an event. It may be made directly using our senses or indirectly using equipment eg microscope

Question 15

2. Forming a hypothesis

Answer 15

an educated guess based on observations

Question 16

4.Collecting and interpreting data

Answer 16

graphs, tables and statistical analysis are used to present data

Question 17

5. Forming a conclusion

Answer 17

data is interpreted to show is hypothesis is true/false

Question 18

6. developing theories and principles

Answer 18

Theory: an explanation based on repeated hypotheses and experimentation
Principle or law: a theory that is valid against long term testing

Question 19

7. Reporting and publishing results

Answer 19

where: scientific journals
why: to pass on knowledge so others can learn from it and repeat it

Question 20

A good experiment should consider

Answer 20

planning and design
safety procedures
control experiment
sample size
random selection
replication
double blind testing
sources of error

Question 21

limitations of the scientific method

Answer 21

extent of basic knowledge
basis of investigation
interpretation of results
changing natural world
accidental discovery
ethical issues