The Scientific method

Question 1

Biology

Answer 1

The study of living things

Question 2

Give 4 areas of study in biology

Answer 2

Anatomy
Genetics
Zoology
Microbiology

Question 3

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Answer 3

Observation
Hypothesis
Experiment
Collect/interpret data
Conclusion
Relate back to existing knowledge
Report and publish findings

Question 4

Where can we report findings?

Answer 4

Scientific journals
Online

Question 5

Why do we post our findings

Answer 5

So that others can learn from their work
so others can repeat it
for peer review

Question 6

Hypothesis

Answer 6

An educated guess on what will happen based on observations

Question 7

Experiment

Answer 7

A test on a hypothesis to see if it is correct/accurate

Question 8

What ways can we collect data

Answer 8

Observations, measurements, figures, statistics ect any information gathered during an experiment

Question 9

Theory

Answer 9

A hypothesis that has been supported by repeated experiments

Question 10

Law

Answer 10

A theory shown to be valid over a long period of time

Question 11

what are the principles of experimentation

Answer 11

careful planning + safety
designing a control experiment
ensuring an experiment is fair

Question 12

how can we ensure safety in an experiment

Answer 12

by
wearing a lab coat
goggles
gloves
hair tied back ect

Question 13

control

Answer 13

a comparison against which the actual experiment can be judged

Question 14

placebo

Answer 14

an ineffective pill given to patients to mimic a trial drug

Question 15

how can we ensure an experiment is fair

Answer 15

large sample size (decreases margin of error)
random selection (prevents bias)
double blind testing
ensuring that others will be able to replicate the experiment

Question 16

double blind testing

Answer 16

when neither the patient nor the medical staff know who is getting a placebo and who is getting the real drug

Question 17

replicate

Answer 17

repeat of an experiment

Question 18

what are the limitations of the scientific method

Answer 18

the extent of our knowledge
basis of investigation (ie poor design, no control ect)
interpreting results
ethical issues (what is morally right or wrong)

Question 19

explain the necessity of random selection

Answer 19

ensures a fair test and prevents bias

Question 20

give 2 features of a good experiment design

Answer 20

a control
only 1 variable
large sample size
able to be repeated

Question 21

when carrying out an experiment how can we ensure pH remains constant

Answer 21

pH buffer

Question 22

when carrying out an experiment how can we ensure temperature remains constant

Answer 22

water bath

Question 23

what is the purpose of a replicate

Answer 23

to verify results

Question 24

data

Answer 24

results of an experiment

Question 25

why do scientists repeat an exp. several times before publishing?

Answer 25

to ensure reliability