Unit 3 - Topic 1 - Scientific Principles and process - Section A - Scientific Method

Question 1

Describe the scientific cycle

Answer 1

Observation; construction of a testable hypothesis; experimental design; gathering, recording, and analysis of data; evaluation of results and conclusions; the formation of a revised hypothesis where necessary

Question 2

In science, refinement of ideas is what and what can scientific knowledge be thought of as

Answer 2

In science, refinement of ideas is the norm, and scientific knowledge can be thought of as the current best explanation, which may then be updated after evaluation of further experimental evidence.

Question 3

What is an null hypothesis

Answer 3

The null hypothesis proposes that there will be no statistically significant effect as a result of the experiment treatment

Question 4

What can be a valid finding and how can conflicting data or conclusions be resolved

Answer 4

Failure to find an effect (a negative result) is a valid finding, as long as an experiment is well designed. Conflicting data or conclusions can be resolved through careful evaluation or can lead to further experimentation.

Question 5

If there is evidence for an effect what happens

Answer 5

If there is evidence for an effect, unlikely due to chance, then the null hypothesis is rejected

Question 6

Scientific ideas only become accepted when

Answer 6

Once they have been checked independently. Effects must be reproducible; one-off results are treated with caution