The Scientific Method Flashcards
Define science
Science is the organised and objective study of the physical, material and living world.
Science is classified into three main subject areas:
Physics, chemistry and biology.
Define biology
Biology is the study of living things.
Originally biology consisted of what areas of study?
- Botany
- Zoology
- Microbiology
Biology later expanded to include what areas of study?
- Taxonomy
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Cytology
- Biochemistry
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Biotechnology
Botany
Study of plants
Zoology
Study of animals
Microbiology
Study of small living things
Taxonomy
Classification
Anatomy
Overall structure
Physiology
Overall function
Cytology
Cells
Biochemistry
Chemical reactions
Ecology
Relationships between living things and their environments
Genetics
Inheritance
Biotechnology
Use of living things to make a product
Microbiology can be divided into three disciplines:
- Bacteriology (bacteria)
- Mycology (fungi)
- Virology (viruses)
Define scientific method
The scientific method is a process of investigation in which problems are identified and their suggested explanations are tested by carrying out experiments.
List the steps in the scientific method.
- Make observations.
- Form a hypothesis.
- Carry out experiments.
- Collection and interpretation of data.
- Form a conclusion.
- Relating the conclusion to existing knowledge.
- Reporting and publishing the results.
Define observation
An observation is when something is noticed.
Define hypothesis
A hypothesis is an educated guess based on observations.
Define experiment
An experiment is a test for a hypothesis.
Define data
Data consists of the measurements, observations or information gathered from experiments.
Define conclusion
A conclusion is a summary of the results of an experiment.
Define theory
A theory is a hypothesis that has been supported by many different experiments.
Define principle/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.
Define variable
A variable is a factor that may change in an experiment.
What are the 3 types of variables?
- Independent variable.
- Dependent variable.
- Controlled variable.
Define independent variable
The independent variable is the quantity that we are changing.
Define dependent variable
The dependent variable is the quantity that is changing as a result of what we are changing.
Define controlled variable
The controlled variable is the quantity that we are keeping the same.
Define replicate
A replicate is a repeat of an experiment.
What are the principles of experimentation?
- Careful planning and design.
- Ensure that the experiment is safe.
- Design a control experiment.
- Experiments must be fair.
What safety features should be observed for classroom experiments?
- Tie back long hair.
- Wear a laboratory coat.
- Wear safety goggles when necessary.
- Never place your fingers in your eyes or mouth unless you have washed your hands.
- Avoid contact between electrical equipment and water.
- Be aware of the safety information when using chemicals.
- Report all accidents to a teacher.
Define control
A control is used to provide a comparison (or standard) against which the actual experiment can be judged.
What is a placebo?
Patients in a control group (who should be similar in age, gender, lifestyle, severity of disease and many other features) are given a harmless, tasteless pill at the same times as the patients in the experimental group. This pill is called a placebo.
Neither the patients nor the medical staff know who is getting the placebo and who is getting the real drug. If the patients in the control (placebo) group do not improve, and those taking the real pill do improve, then it may be the case that the drug improves the illness.
How can experiments be fair?
- Large sample size
- Random selection
- Others must be able to replicate experiments
- Double blind testing
Sample size
When carrying out an experiment, it is important that more than one person or object is tested. A large sample produces more reliable results.
Random selection
When selecting a sample to be tested, the selection should be random. This is to prevent bias or unfairness by the person carrying out the experiment.
Others must be able to replicate experiments
In this way, the results can be shown to be always true and not caused by some unknown influence.
Double blind testing
Double blind means that both the investigator and the participant are unaware of the nature of the treatment the participant is receiving.
This means that the experiment is free from bias because the person carrying out the experiment is not influencing the result.
Limitations of the value of the scientific method
- The extent of our knowledge.
- The basis of investigation.
- Interpreting results.
- Changes in the natural world.
- Accidental discoveries.
Define ethics
Ethics relates to whether conduct is right or wrong.
