The Scientific Method Flashcards
WHAT IS BIOLOGY?
the study of living things.
WHAT ARE THE 4 MAIN AREAS OF STUDY OF BIOLOGY?
- botany
- zoology
- Microbiology
- biochemistry
WHAT IS THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD?
scientific method is an ordered sequence of investigative steps used by scientists to support or disapprove a theory.
DESCRIBE THE STEPS INVOLVED IN THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD.
- make an observation
- form a hypothesis (an educated guess based on an observation)
- carry out experiments to test the hypothesis that can be replicated
- collect and interpret data from the experiment
- reach a conclusion that either accepts,disgards or change the hypothesis
- place the conclusions in the context of existing knowledge
- report and publish results in a scientific journal(lancet)
- development of a theory and principal
WHAT IS A HYPOTHESIS?
a hypothesis is an educated guess based on an observation.
WHAT IS A THEORY?
a theory is a proven hypothesis(lots of other scientists approve).
WHAT IS PRINCIPLE/LAW?
a principle/law arises from a theory when it is always true over a long period of time.
WHAT IS A CONTROL?
a control is a comparison to the experiment.
WHAT IS A REPLICATE?
a replicate is a repeat of the experiment .this is done to reassure results are reliable.
WHAT IS DATA?
data is ;
- measurements
- information
WHAT IS AN EXPERIMENT?
an experiment is a test of the hypothesis . it should only have one variable.
WHAT ARE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF GOOD EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE?
- well planned and designed
- safe procedures
- a suitable control which only differs in one variable from the real experiment
- fair procedures(avoid bias)
HOW TO AVOID BIAS/HOW TO EXECUTE A FAIR PROCEDURE.
-Repetition
-large sample size
-random selection
-double blind testing
independent verification
HOW DOES REPETITION HELP AVOID BIAS?
repetition verifies the results.
HOW DOES LARGE SAMPLE SIZE HELP AVOID BIAS?
better chance of gaining the true representative average statistically .
HOW DOES RANDOM SELECTION HELP AVOID BIAS?
most likely to produce a ‘regular type’.
WHAT IS DOUBLE BLIND TESTING?
neither the investigator nor the test participant know what treatment the patient is receiving .
WHAT IS INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION?
other unconnected scientist must repeat the experiment exactly and obtain the same results .
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD?
-THE EXTENT OF OUR KNOWLEGE
(hypothesis about many diseases were false until vitamins and microorganisms were discovered)
-OUR ABILITY TO OBTAIN RESULTS/HUMAN ERROR/BIAS
(if results are interpreted wrongly the wrong conclusions can be drawn)
-ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERIES
(mistakes can be learning opportunities)
-CHANGE OF THE NATURAL WORLD
(evolution by natural selection causes populations to adapt to their environment )
GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF HUMAN ERROR/BIAS
Thalidomide drug given in 1950s.
GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF AN ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERY
Alexander Fleming discovered antibiotics when a penicillin fungus contaminated a culture of bacteria.
WHAT IS BOTONY
the study of plants
WHAT IS ZOOLOGY
the study of animals
WHAT IS MICROBIOLOGY
the study of micro organisms
WHAT IS BIOCHEMISTRY?
the study of chemistry of organisms
WHY IS THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD USE?
to try to remove any bias from the discovery process
IF A HYPOTHESIS IS SUPPORTED WHAT CAN IT LEAD TO?
new knowledge
IF A HYPOTHESIS IS NOT SUPPORTED WHAT HAPPENS?
a new explanation needs to be found and tested
form a new hypothesis
what is an observation?
when something is noticed
what is a conclusion?
the summary of the results of an experiment
what is a variable?
a factor that may change in the experiment
how do you ensure the experiment is safe ?
- tie back Long hair
- wear a lab coat
- wear safety glasses
- ensure it is well planned and designed
what is ethics?
relates to whether conduct is right or wrong
what are some ethical issues that might come up when testing hypothesis
- use of captive animals in experiments
- origin of life
- freezing human sperm and embryos
- medical issues such as contraception
- the use of stem cells from embryos to form new tissue or organs
