The Scientific Method

Question 1

What is an observation?


Answer 1

An observation is an accurate report of natural events.

Question 2

What is a hypothesis?


Answer 2

A hypothesis is an educated guess as to a possible explanation of the observation.

Question 3

3 areas of study in Biology

Answer 3

Ecology, Microbiology and genetics.

Question 4

Define theory

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Whats is the scientific method?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

What are the main steps involved in the scientific method?

Answer 6

Observation
Hypothesis
Experiment
Result
Interpretation
Conclusion

Question 7

Define a replicate

Answer 7

A repeat of the experiment

Question 8

List the principles of experimentation

Answer 8

A good experiment should:
- Be well planned
- Be well designed
- Be safe
- Include a control
- Be fair

Question 9

Define a control

Answer 9

A control is a comparison against which an experiment is judged. All aspects of the control are the same as the experiment except the feature being tested.

Question 10

What is double-blind testing?

Answer 10

Neither the tester or the subject knows who gets the drug ( or the placebo ).