The Scientific Method

Question 1

Biology

Answer 1

The (scientific) study of life

Question 2

Areas of study in biology

Answer 2

Botany
Anatomy
Physiology
Zoology
Microbiology
Biotechnology
Biochemistry
Ecology
Taxonomy
Cytology
Genetics
Bacteriology
Mycology
Virology

Question 3

The scientific Method

Answer 3

A process of investigation in which problems are identified and their suggested explanations are tested by carrying out experiements.

Question 4

Steps in the scientific method

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Observation

Answer 5

When something is noticed

Question 6

Experiment

Answer 6

Test for a hypothesis

Question 6

Hypothesis

Answer 6

An educated guess based on observations

Question 7

Data

Answer 7

Consists of the measurements, observations and information gathered from experiments

Question 8

Conclusion

Answer 8

A summary of the results of an experiment

Question 9

Where are experimental procedures and results usually published

Answer 9

Scientific journals and magazines
World Wide Web

later reported in newspapers or on television

Question 10

Theory

Answer 10

A hypothesis that has been supported by many different experiments

Question 11

Principle or Law

Answer 11

Arises from a theory that has been shown to be valid when fully tested over a long period of time.

Question 12

Variable

Answer 12

A factor that may change in an experiment

Question 13

Control

Answer 13

Used to provide a comparison (or standard) against which the actual experiment can be judged.

Question 14

Replicate

Answer 14

A repeat of an experiment

Question 15

Double blind testing

Answer 15

Means that both the investigator and participant are unaware of the nature of the treatment the participant is recieving

Question 16

Ethics

Answer 16

Relates to whether conduct is right or wrong

Question 17

Principles of Experimentation

Answer 17

1. Careful planning and design
   -only one variable is tested
   -All other variables are kept constant
2. Ensure experiment is safe
3. Design a control experiment
   -Should only be one variable (or difference) between test experiment and control.
   -Placebo - in drug trial control patients are given harmless pills as comparison
4. Experiments must be fair
   -Sample size - large samples produce more reliable results
   -random selection - prevent bias/unfairness
   -Replicable - others must be able to replicate the experiment
   -Double blind testing - neither the person being tested nor the tester should know who is receiving real treatment and who is receiving the placebo.

Question 18

Limitations of the value of the scientific method

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Ethical issues

Answer 19

-Use of captive animals in experiments
- Medical issues eg contraception, abortion and assissted fertilisation
- Freezing human sperm and embryos
- Cloning of animals
- organ transplants