The Scientific Method

Question 1

Define Biology

Answer 1

Biology is the study of living organisms

Question 2

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Answer 2

1. Observation
2. Hypothesis
3. Experimentation
4. Collection and interpretation of data
5. Conclusion
6. Relating conclusion to existing knowledge
7. Reporting and publishing the results

Question 3

Define Observation

Answer 3

An observation is when something is noticed

Question 4

Define Hypothesis

Answer 4

A hypothesis is an educated guess based on observations

Question 5

Define experiment

Answer 5

An experiment is designed to test a hypothesis

Question 6

Define Conclusion

Answer 6

A conclusion is a summary of the results of the experiment

Question 7

Define what a theory is

Answer 7

A theory is a hypothesis that has been supported by many different experiments

Question 8

Define variable

Answer 8

A variable is a factor that may change in an experiment

Question 9

Give principles of experimentation

Answer 9

1. Careful planning design
2. Ensure the experiment is safe
3. Design a control experiment
4. Experiments must be fair

Question 10

How can we ensure experiments are kept fair?

Answer 10

1. Large sample size
2. Random selection
3. Experiment must be able to be replicated
4. Double blind testing

Question 11

What is double blind testing

Answer 11

Double blind testing means both investigator and the participant are unaware of which treatment is placebo

Question 12

What are some limitations of the scientific method

Answer 12

1. The extent of our knowledge
2. The basis of investigation
3. Interpreting results
4. Changes in the natural world
5. Accidental discoveries

Question 13

What are ethics?

Answer 13

Ethics refers to whether an experiment is right or wrong