Unit 1.2 Scientific Method

Question 1

State the purpose of the scientific method.

Answer 1

To reduce bias and increase credibility of Science and knowledge

Question 2

What are the six steps of the scientific method?

Answer 2

– Question
– Research
– Hypothesis
– Experiment
– Analyze/Conclusion
– Communicate results

Question 3

What’s the structure of a hypothesis?

Answer 3

If…then…because…

Question 4

How do you conduct a fair test?

Answer 4

– Change one factor at a time and keep other conditions constant
– Repeat experiment several times
– Have a reasonable sample size

Question 5

What is a scientific model?

Answer 5

– Comparison/analogy to compare something whose behaviour is not understood to something that is understood

Question 6

What is a scientific theory?

Answer 6

Well-established scientific model explaining “why” or “how” based on experiments + facts with plentiful evidence to support it

Question 7

What is a lab report?

Answer 7

Formal document written by the scientist to record work + findings + possible explanations for anomalies

Question 8

Why do conspiracy theories exist?

Answer 8

– Fun
– Create doubt regarding scientific findings to benefit other purposes
– Generate personal money and fame (clout-chasing)