The Scientific Method Flashcards
Where do scientists usually publish the results anr conclusion of their investigations?
Scientific journal/ TV
Give one example of a limitation of the scientific method.
lack of basic knowledge ; method of investigation
Explain the importance of double- blind testing in scientific experimentation.
The results cannot be influenced.
How does a hypothesis differ from a theory?
Hypothesis is an educated guess based on observation. Theory is a hypothesis that has been supported by many different experiments.
In relation to the scientific method, explain :
EXPERIMENT
Is designed to test a hypothesis
In relation to the scientific method, explain : THEORY
Is a hypothesis that has been supported by many different experiments.
Suggest a reason why the seeds used in the experiment were all taken from one parent plant.
To minimise genetic variation
Suggest a way in which the scientists may have sterilised the compost.
Heat, oven, autoclave
State one reason why it was important to sterilise the compost.
To kill micro- organisms
Why did the scientists divide the young wheat plants into two equal groups?
One group will act as a control and the other as a actual experiment.
During the investigation the scientists kept the two groups of plants under identical conditions. Why was this?
Only one variable
Name two conditions you think the scientists would have kept constant during the investigation.
1) Water, temperature
2) light, ph
Why did the scientists repeat the investigation several times before publishing their results in a scientific journal?
To verify results
Why is a control especially important in biological investigations?
To provide a standard in which the actual experiment can be compared.
If a scientist wished to determine the effect of a certain herbicide on weed growth she would include a control in the investigation. Suggest a suitable control in this case.
Water
