UNIT 1: The Scientific Method Flashcards
Biology
The study of living things
Observation
Taking in of information received about the natural world
Hypothesis
An educated guess / idea based on an observation
Experimentation
An experiment is a test designed to prove / disprove a hypothesis
Collection of data
Data are results obtained after carrying out an experiment
Conclusions
Explaining the results
Analysis
Explaining new knowledge in relation to existing knowledge
Reporting and publishing results
Describing and releasing results to other scientists and the public
Development of theory and principle
A theory is a hypothesis supported by numerous experiments.
A law is a definite, factual explanation of an important aspect of nature.
Principles of experimentation
Careful planning and design.
Safety
Experimental control
Sample size - larger sample size gives a better representation in the results
Random selection
Replicates - a repeat of the experiment
Double blind testing - neither investigator nor participant are aware of the nature of the treatment the participant is receiving
Control
A control is a factor in an experiment that provides a standard upon which results may be compared
Limitations of the scientific method
- Extent of our basic knowledge - lack of knowledge leads to inadequate hypothesis.
- Basis of investigation - lack of technology / materials / equipment.
- Interpretation of results - scientists may interpret results differently.
- Application to a changing natural world - info obtained from organisms in the past may not be valid today.
- Accidental discovery - experiments may have gone completely ‘wrong’ eg discovery of penicillin
The scientific method
A process of investigation in which problems are identified and their suggested explanations are tested by carrying out experiments
Variable
A factor that may change in an experiment
