The Scientific Method Flashcards
Biology
The (scientific) study of life
Areas of study in biology
Botany
Anatomy
Physiology
Zoology
Microbiology
Biotechnology
Biochemistry
Ecology
Taxonomy
Cytology
Genetics
Bacteriology
Mycology
Virology
The scientific Method
A process of investigation in which problems are identified and their suggested explanations are tested by carrying out experiements.
Steps in the scientific method
- Observation
- Hypothesis
- Experimentation
- Collecion and interpretation of data
- Conclusion
- Relating the conclusion to existing knowledge
- Reporting and publishing the results
Observation
When something is noticed
Experiment
Test for a hypothesis
Hypothesis
An educated guess based on observations
Data
Consists of the measurements, observations and information gathered from experiments
Conclusion
A summary of the results of an experiment
Where are experimental procedures and results usually published
Scientific journals and magazines
World Wide Web
later reported in newspapers or on television
Theory
A hypothesis that has been supported by many different experiments
Principle or Law
Arises from a theory that has been shown to be valid when fully tested over a long period of time.
Variable
A factor that may change in an experiment
Control
Used to provide a comparison (or standard) against which the actual experiment can be judged.
Replicate
A repeat of an experiment
Double blind testing
Means that both the investigator and participant are unaware of the nature of the treatment the participant is recieving
Ethics
Relates to whether conduct is right or wrong
Principles of Experimentation
- Careful planning and design
-only one variable is tested
-All other variables are kept constant - Ensure experiment is safe
- 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 - 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.
Limitations of the value of the scientific method
- The extent of our knowledge
- The basis of the investigation
- Interpreting results
eg thalidomide - Changes in the natural world
- Accidental discoveries
Ethical issues
-Use of captive animals in experiments
- Medical issues eg contraception, abortion and assissted fertilisation
- Freezing human sperm and embryos
- Cloning of animals
- organ transplants
