The Scientific Method Flashcards
Scientific method
The process of investigation carried out in order to explain an observation
Observation
Taking in information received about the natural world
Hypothesis
An educated guess based on observation/ prediction
Experiment
A test designed to determine the validity of a hypothesis
Data
Consists of information and observations gathered from an experiment
Conclusion
Explanation of the results
Theory
A hypothesis that has been supported by many different experiments
Principle
A principal or law arises from a theory that has shown to be valid when fully tested over a long period of time
Variable
A factor that is changed in an experiment
Control
A factor in a experiment that provides a standard with which the results of the experiment may be compared with
Random selection
The process of choosing subjects to be scientifically tested without method or conscious choice
Replication
Repeat of an experiment
Double blind testing
When neither the tester not the patient know what medication is being administered
Placebo
A substance with no active medication that is used as a control in an experiment
Ethics
Refers to whether issues are right or wrong
What are the steps of the scientific method ?
- Observation
- Hypothesis
- Experimentation
- Collecting and interpreting data
- Forming conclusions
- Analysing conclusions
- Reporting a publishing results
How will the results of an experiment affect the hypothesis?
The hypothesis is:
Supported if results fully agree
Changed if results partially agree
Rejected if results contradict it
Principles of experimentation:
- Careful planning and design
- Safety procedures
- Experimental control
- Large sample size
- Random selection
- Replication
- Double blind testing
What are the limitations of the scientific method?
Extent of basic knowledge
Interpretation of results
Accidental discoveries
Changes in nature
Science
The study of the physical, material and living world
