The Scientific Method Flashcards
Definition: Science
Science is the (organised and objective) study of the physical, material and living world
Definition: Biology
Biology is the study of living things
Definition: The scientific method
The scientific method is an attempt at using an organised approach to solving problems.
The core of the scientific method involves asking questions and searching for answers
Definition: Observations
An observation is when something is noticed.
You observe something using your senses or machines which are basically extensions of those senses
Definition: Hypothesis
A hypothesis is an educated guess based on observations
Definition: Experiment
An experiment is designed to test a hypothesis
The results of the experiment will either support or contradict the hypothesis.
Data
Data consists of the measurements, observations or information gathered from experiments
Conclusion
A conclusion is a summary of the results of an experiment
You state whether your prediction was confirmed or not and try to explain your results
Relating the conclusion to existing knowledge
• Compare conclusion to existing knowledge on the topic.
• Report and publish results.
• Develop a theory or principle
Definition: Theory
A theory is a hypothesis that has been supported by many different experiments
Definition: A Principle or Law
A principle or law arises from a theory that has been shown to be valid when fully tested over a long period of time
Definition: A Variable
A variable is a factor that may change in an experiment
Definition: Control
A control is used to compare results
Why? Reporting and Publishing Results
The results should be written down and reported so that they can be examined and analysed by others.
In this way new ideas are made available to all scientists.
Adds to the growth of scientific understanding.
Peer review
Where? Reporting and Publishing of Results
• Scientific journals
• World Wide Web
May be later reported in newspapers and on television.
Principles of experimentation: Planning and Design
- Careful Planning and Design.
Experiments must be carefully planned and designed.
Only one variable is tested, all other variables are kept constant.
Definition: Placebo
A placebo is a harmless, tasteless pill that is given to people in an experimental group
Definition: Double blind testing
Double blind testing is when neither the patient nor the medical staff know who is getting the real active drug.
Principles of Experimentation: Ensure the experiment is safe
Follow all the lab safety rules
(Eg:) Tie long hair back, wear a lab coat, avoid contact between electrical equipment and water
Principles of Experimentation: Design a control experiment
- Design a control experiment
A control is used to compare your results. There should be only one control.
Principles of Experimentation: Experiments must be fair
Four factors must be considered:
Sample size
- as large as possible for reliable results
Random selection
- to prevent bias by the person carrying out the experiment
Others must be able to replicate
experiments
- All experimental work is rigorously reported in scientific journals, so that other scientists can confirm or deny the results.
Double-Blind Testing
Neither the tester nor the person being tested knows who’s receiving the placebo or the real drug/treatment
Definition: Replicate
A replicate is a repeat of an experiment
Principles of Experimentation (List)
- Careful planning and design
- Ensure that the experiment is safe
- Design a control experiment
- Experiments must be fair
Limitations of The Scientific Method
- Limited by the extent of our knowledge
- Limited by our ability to Interpret results
- May be affected changes in the natural world
- It may be affected by ethical and legal responsibilities
