The Scientific Method

Question 1

What is the scientific method

Answer 1

An attempt at using an organised approach to solve problems.

Question 2

Core of the scientific method

Answer 2

Consists of asking questions and searching for answers

Question 3

Steps of the scientific method

Answer 3

Making observations
Formulating a hypothesis
Designing a controlled experiment
Collecting and interpreting data
Forming a conclusion
Comparing conclusion with existing knowledge
Reporting and publishing results
Developing theories and principles

Question 4

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 4

A testable, tentative answer to a question,

An educated guess based on an observation.

Question 5

Experiment definition

Answer 5

A test for a hypothesis

Question 6

Theory definition

Answer 6

An explanation based on repeated hypotheses and experimentation.

Question 7

Principle/law definition

Answer 7

When a theory is seen always to be true under all conditions over a long period of time.

Question 8

Replicate def

Answer 8

When an experiment is repeated

Question 9

What are the two parts to an experiment

Answer 9

A control group- No change, normal conditions

Experimental group- Variables are changed

Question 10

Two variables

Answer 10

Independent variable
Dependent variable
(Only one should be changed at a time)

Question 11

Independent variable

Answer 11

Changed by experimenter

Question 12

Dependent variable

Answer 12

Responding to the effect

Question 13

Constants

Answer 13

Dont change

Question 14

Can controlled variables change?

Answer 14

They could, but aren’t allowed to.

Question 15

What is prediction

Answer 15

The goal of experiments

Question 16

Fair experimental procedures examples

Answer 16

Large sample size,
Double blind testing,
Random selection,
Reporting experiments publicly (so they can be replicated)

Question 17

Ethics

Answer 17

Refers to whether issues are right or wrong, moral or immoral.

Question 18

Ethical issues in science

Answer 18

Animal testing
Animal cloning
Freezing of embryos and sperm 
Abortion
Origin of life
Evolution (if it took place)

Question 19

Principles of experimentation

Answer 19

Plan and design experiment
Be aware of safety procedures
Select organisms at random
Use large sample size
Control group
Double-blind testing
Change one factor at a time
Measure changes
Analyse results 
State possible sources of error
Repeat experiment

Question 20

Safety procedure

Answer 20

Tie hair back
Wear lab coat/goggles
No running
Keep electrical equipment and water separate
Wash hands before touching eyes or mouth
Report all accidents to teacher

Question 21

What is a control

Answer 21

A second experiment used as a comparison against which the real experiment can be judged. The conditions are kept the same.

Question 22

Limitations of the value of the scientific method

Answer 22

The extent of our knowledge (to ask questions)
The basis of investigation (if it’s done badly results may be invalid)
Interpreting results (correctly analysing them)
Changes in the natural world (limited to the present)
Accidental discoveries

Question 23

Double-blind testing

Answer 23

Where both the investigator and patient are unaware of which is the control.