The Scientific Method

Question 0

List the seven most common steps of the scientific method

Answer 0

Observation, hypothesis, experimentation, collection and interpretation of data, conclusion, relating conclusion to existing knowledge, reporting and publishing the results

Question 1

What is the scientific method?

Answer 1

The process of investigation in which problems identified and their suggested explanations are tested by carrying out experiments

Question 2

In Jenner’s experiment what was the observation?

Answer 2

Scientists make observations about real life situations

Observed that milk maids did not contract small pox

Question 3

In Jenner’s experiment what was the hypothesis?

Answer 3

An educated guess based on observations

People who have been in contact with cowpox cannot contract smallpox

Question 4

In Jenner’s experiment what was the experiment?

Answer 4

An experiment is designed to test the hypothesis

A child was first infected with cowpox and then with smallpox

Question 5

In Jenner’s experiment what was the collection and interpretation of data

Answer 5

Data is the information that is collected from an experiment

The child did not contract smallpox

Question 6

In Jenner’s experiment what was the conclusion?

Answer 6

This is the interpretation of the data collected to formulate the findings
People who have been infected with cowpox do not contract smallpox

Question 7

Explain the step of relation to the conclusion to existing knowledge

Answer 7

Findings are looked at in relation to previous knowledge
The data may prove or disprove the hypothesis
The data often creates a need for further experiments

Question 8

What are the principles of experimentation

Answer 8

Scientists observed the following principles to ensure the experiments are valuable and contribute to understanding

• Carefully planning – scientists ensure only one variable in an experiment
• Safety of an experiment – must not in danger scientists or participants
• Control experiment – A test that the experiment data can be compared to

Question 9

Why must experiments be fair

Answer 9

So as not to endanger the participants and accurately test one variable

Question 10

Give 4 ways of making an experiment fair

Answer 10

1. Sample size- The larger the sample size the more reliable the data will be, as it helps to reduce the effect of variations in individuals on the results
2. Random selection - individuals to be tested should not be picked but chose at random
3. Replication- The experiment must be repeatable
4. Double-blind testing - where the person performing the test and the individual being tested should not know who receives the placebo (e.g. that pill that does not contain the drug)

Question 11

Give 5 limitations of the scientific method

Answer 11

1. Extent of our own knowledge- as knowledge increases scientists move on to new questions
2. Basis of investigation - it is not always possible to have a control e.g. global warming
3. Interpreting results- misinterpreted dataI can lead to incorrect conclusions
4. Changes in the natural world- ever louche and can lead to changes e.g. antibiotic resistant bacteria
5. Accidental discoveries e.g. the discovery of penicillin