the scientific method

Question 1

what is the scientific method?

Answer 1

The scientific method is a systematic approach to researching ideas/problems by using observations, collecting and analysing gathered data, experimenting and replicating the results if possible, to check whether they are reliable.

Question 2

why are peer reviews important with research?

Answer 2

• Once the researchers have finished their study their results are released for fellow scientists to check them.
• Since these scientists have to submit the results and the method they used, reviewers can highlight where mistakes were made, if there were any, or support the results and prove the study high in validity and reliability.

Question 3

why are pilot studies important?

Answer 3

• Pilot studies are small-scale trials before the actual test.
• Mistakes can be highlighted and ironed out before the main study.
• This can be of great importance as it saves time and money and also brings to light potential problems that the researchers hadn’t anticipated.

Question 4

what is ‘reliable’ research?

Answer 4

Research is considered to be reliable if when repeated (replicated) it generates the same results.

Question 5

what is valid research?

Answer 5

Research is valid when it is true to life, i.e. it depicts a real picture of the world.