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BIOLOGY > The Scientific Method > Flashcards

The Scientific Method Flashcards

1
Q

WHAT IS BIOLOGY?

A

the study of living things.

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2
Q

WHAT ARE THE 4 MAIN AREAS OF STUDY OF BIOLOGY?

A
  • botany
  • zoology
  • Microbiology
  • biochemistry
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3
Q

WHAT IS THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD?

A

scientific method is an ordered sequence of investigative steps used by scientists to support or disapprove a theory.

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4
Q

DESCRIBE THE STEPS INVOLVED IN THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD.

A
  • 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
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5
Q

WHAT IS A HYPOTHESIS?

A

a hypothesis is an educated guess based on an observation.

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6
Q

WHAT IS A THEORY?

A

a theory is a proven hypothesis(lots of other scientists approve).

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7
Q

WHAT IS PRINCIPLE/LAW?

A

a principle/law arises from a theory when it is always true over a long period of time.

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8
Q

WHAT IS A CONTROL?

A

a control is a comparison to the experiment.

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9
Q

WHAT IS A REPLICATE?

A

a replicate is a repeat of the experiment .this is done to reassure results are reliable.

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10
Q

WHAT IS DATA?

A

data is ;

  • measurements
  • information
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11
Q

WHAT IS AN EXPERIMENT?

A

an experiment is a test of the hypothesis . it should only have one variable.

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12
Q

WHAT ARE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF GOOD EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE?

A
  • well planned and designed
  • safe procedures
  • a suitable control which only differs in one variable from the real experiment
  • fair procedures(avoid bias)
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13
Q

HOW TO AVOID BIAS/HOW TO EXECUTE A FAIR PROCEDURE.

A

-Repetition
-large sample size
-random selection
-double blind testing
independent verification

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14
Q

HOW DOES REPETITION HELP AVOID BIAS?

A

repetition verifies the results.

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15
Q

HOW DOES LARGE SAMPLE SIZE HELP AVOID BIAS?

A

better chance of gaining the true representative average statistically .

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16
Q

HOW DOES RANDOM SELECTION HELP AVOID BIAS?

A

most likely to produce a ‘regular type’.

17
Q

WHAT IS DOUBLE BLIND TESTING?

A

neither the investigator nor the test participant know what treatment the patient is receiving .

18
Q

WHAT IS INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION?

A

other unconnected scientist must repeat the experiment exactly and obtain the same results .

19
Q

WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD?

A

-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 )

20
Q

GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF HUMAN ERROR/BIAS

A

Thalidomide drug given in 1950s.

21
Q

GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF AN ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERY

A

Alexander Fleming discovered antibiotics when a penicillin fungus contaminated a culture of bacteria.

22
Q

WHAT IS BOTONY

A

the study of plants

23
Q

WHAT IS ZOOLOGY

A

the study of animals

24
Q

WHAT IS MICROBIOLOGY

A

the study of micro organisms

25
Q

WHAT IS BIOCHEMISTRY?

A

the study of chemistry of organisms

26
Q

WHY IS THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD USE?

A

to try to remove any bias from the discovery process

27
Q

IF A HYPOTHESIS IS SUPPORTED WHAT CAN IT LEAD TO?

A

new knowledge

28
Q

IF A HYPOTHESIS IS NOT SUPPORTED WHAT HAPPENS?

A

a new explanation needs to be found and tested

form a new hypothesis

29
Q

what is an observation?

A

when something is noticed

30
Q

what is a conclusion?

A

the summary of the results of an experiment

31
Q

what is a variable?

A

a factor that may change in the experiment

32
Q

how do you ensure the experiment is safe ?

A
  • tie back Long hair
  • wear a lab coat
  • wear safety glasses
  • ensure it is well planned and designed
33
Q

what is ethics?

A

relates to whether conduct is right or wrong

34
Q

what are some ethical issues that might come up when testing hypothesis

A
  • 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

BIOLOGY (7 decks)

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