The Scientific Method

Question 1

Define science

Answer 1

Science is the organised and objective study of the physical, material and living world.

Question 2

Science is classified into three main subject areas:

Answer 2

Physics, chemistry and biology.

Question 3

Define biology

Answer 3

Biology is the study of living things.

Question 4

Originally biology consisted of what areas of study?

Answer 4

• Botany
• Zoology
• Microbiology

Question 5

Biology later expanded to include what areas of study?

Answer 5

• Taxonomy
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Cytology
• Biochemistry
• Ecology
• Genetics
• Biotechnology

Question 6

Botany

Answer 6

Study of plants

Question 7

Zoology

Answer 7

Study of animals

Question 8

Microbiology

Answer 8

Study of small living things

Question 9

Taxonomy

Answer 9

Classification

Question 10

Anatomy

Answer 10

Overall structure

Question 11

Physiology

Answer 11

Overall function

Question 12

Cytology

Answer 12

Cells

Question 13

Biochemistry

Answer 13

Chemical reactions

Question 14

Ecology

Answer 14

Relationships between living things and their environments

Question 15

Genetics

Answer 15

Inheritance

Question 16

Biotechnology

Answer 16

Use of living things to make a product

Question 17

Microbiology can be divided into three disciplines:

Answer 17

• Bacteriology (bacteria)
• Mycology (fungi)
• Virology (viruses)

Question 18

Define scientific method

Answer 18

The scientific method is a process of investigation in which problems are identified and their suggested explanations are tested by carrying out experiments.

Question 19

List the steps in the scientific method.

Answer 19

1. Make observations.
2. Form a hypothesis.
3. Carry out experiments.
4. Collection and interpretation of data.
5. Form a conclusion.
6. Relating the conclusion to existing knowledge.
7. Reporting and publishing the results.

Question 20

Define observation

Answer 20

An observation is when something is noticed.

Question 21

Define hypothesis

Answer 21

A hypothesis is an educated guess based on observations.

Question 22

Define experiment

Answer 22

An experiment is a test for a hypothesis.

Question 23

Define data

Answer 23

Data consists of the measurements, observations or information gathered from experiments.

Question 24

Define conclusion

Answer 24

A conclusion is a summary of the results of an experiment.

Question 25

Define **theory**

Answer 25

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

Question 26

Define **principle/law**

Answer 26

A principle or law arises from a theory that has been shown to be valid when fully tested over a long period of time.

Question 27

Define **variable**

Answer 27

A variable is a factor that may change in an experiment.

Question 28

What are the 3 types of variables?

Answer 28

1. Independent variable. 2. Dependent variable. 3. Controlled variable.

Question 29

Define **independent variable**

Answer 29

The independent variable is the quantity that we are changing.

Question 30

Define **dependent variable**

Answer 30

The dependent variable is the quantity that is changing as a result of what we are changing.

Question 31

Define **controlled variable**

Answer 31

The controlled variable is the quantity that we are keeping the same.

Question 32

Define **replicate**

Answer 32

A replicate is a repeat of an experiment.

Question 33

What are the principles of experimentation?

Answer 33

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

Question 34

What safety features should be observed for classroom experiments?

Answer 34

- 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.

Question 35

Define **control**

Answer 35

A control is used to provide a comparison (or standard) against which the actual experiment can be judged.

Question 36

What is a **placebo**?

Answer 36

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.

Question 37

How can experiments be fair?

Answer 37

- Large sample size - Random selection - Others must be able to replicate experiments - Double blind testing

Question 38

Sample size

Answer 38

When carrying out an experiment, it is important that more than one person or object is tested. A large sample produces more reliable results.

Question 39

Random selection

Answer 39

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.

Question 40

Others must be able to replicate experiments

Answer 40

In this way, the results can be shown to be always true and not caused by some unknown influence.

Question 41

Double blind testing

Answer 41

**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.

Question 42

Limitations of the value of the scientific method

Answer 42

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

Question 43

Define **ethics**

Answer 43

Ethics relates to whether conduct is right or wrong.