The Scientific Method Flashcards

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1
Q

What is Biology?

A

The study of living things

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2
Q

What is the scientific method?

A

The organised approach to solving problems

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3
Q

Scientific Method

A

Observation
Hypothesis
Experiment
Data
Conclusion
Report

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4
Q

Hypothesis

A

Educated guess based on observation

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5
Q

Control Experiment

A

An experiment set up to compare the results of the actual experiment against

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6
Q

Data

A

Information gathered relevant to the experiment

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7
Q

Theory

A

Hypothesis that has been supported by repeated results

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8
Q

Principal/Law

A

A theory that has shown to be true under all conditions over a long period of time

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9
Q

Limitations of the scientific method

A
  • Level of basic knowledge
  • Ability to interpret Data
  • Accidental discoveries
  • Method of Experiment
  • Human Error
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10
Q

Principals of Experimentation

A
  • Careful planning and design
  • Freedom from bias
  • Safety procedures
  • Suitable control
  • Large random sample
  • Results that can be repeated and verified
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11
Q

Bias

A

When someone has a preferred outcome

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12
Q

Why is a large sample size important?

A

Reduce risk of bias and reduce risk of jumping to conclusions

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13
Q

Replicate

A

Exact copy of an experiment

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14
Q

Why carry out a replicate?

A
  • To prove results
  • To prevent jumping to conclusions
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15
Q

Double blind testing

A

Experiment in which neither the tester nor the person being tested know who is getting the placebo and who is getting the real treatment.

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16
Q

Why is double blind testing important?

A
  • Prevents tester from subconsciously interfering with the results
  • Reduces bias
17
Q

Ethics

A

Whether something is right or wrong