Scientific Method

Question 1

What is the scientific method?

Answer 1

Scientific method is the logical procedure for gathering and testing ideas.

Question 2

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Answer 2

• Observation
• Question
• Hypothesis
• Experiment
• Collection of data
• Conclusion
• Publish findings in a scientific journal

Question 3

Where do experiments get published once reaching conclusion?

Answer 3

The Scientific Journal

Question 4

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 4

An educated guess based on observations.

Question 5

What are the limitations of the scientific method?

Answer 5

• Is limited by the extend of our basic knowledge
• It is limited by our ability to interpret the results
• Changes in the natural world
• Accidental discoveries
• The basis of investigation

Question 6

What is an observation?

Answer 6

An observation is the process of gathering information about an event.

Question 7

What is an experiment?

Answer 7

A set of controlled observations that test the hypothesis.

Question 8

What is data?

Answer 8

Data is a recorded observation of an event.

Question 9

What is a conclusion?

Answer 9

A conclusion is a summary of the results of an experiment.

Question 10

What is biology?

Answer 10

Biology is the study of the living things.

Question 11

What are the three areas of study incorporated in biology?

Answer 11

• Botany
• Zoology
• Microbiology

Question 12

What is a theory?

Answer 12

A theory is a hypothesis that has been supported by many experiments.

Question 13

What is a principle / law?

Answer 13

A principle / law arises from a theory that has been showed to be valid when fully tested over a long period of time.

Question 14

What is a variable?

Answer 14

A variable is any factor in an experiment that can be changed or tested.

Question 15

What is a control?

Answer 15

A control is used to provide a comparison against experiment when being judged.

Question 16

What is science?

Answer 16

It is the study of physical, material and living things.

Question 17

What is a replicate?

Answer 17

A replicate is when an experiment is completed again.

Question 18

What does ethics refer to in the context of science?

Answer 18

Ethics in science refers to whether issues are right or wrong.

Question 19

Good Experiments are carried out with…

Answer 19

• Careful planning and design
• Safe procedures
• An established control

Question 20

Fair experiments include…

Answer 20

• Large sample size
• Random selection
• Reporting experiments publicly so that they can be replicated
• Double blind testing

Question 21

What are the principles of experimentation?

Answer 21

• Plan and design the experiment
• Be aware of safety procedures
• Select organisms at random
• Use a large enough sample size
• Use a control group
• Use double-blind testing
• Change one factor at a time
• Measure changes
• Analyse the results
• State the possible sources of error
• Repeat the experiment

Question 22

What is an experiment?

Answer 22

An experiment is a controlled test.

Question 23

What is independent variable?

Answer 23

The variable that is changed in the experiment

Question 24

What is dependent variable?

Answer 24

The dependent variable is the effect from the independent variable.

Question 25

What are constants?

Answer 25

Constants are elements that do not change.

Question 26

What is a controlled variable?

Answer 26

A controlled variable is a variable which could change, but aren't allowed to.

Question 27

What are the two groups used in experiments?

Answer 27

- A control group | - An experiment group

Question 28

What is a control group?

Answer 28

Having your experiment under normal conditions as they occur.

Question 29

What is an experimental group?

Answer 29

Variables that are changed throughout the experiment.

Question 30

What is a prediction?

Answer 30

The act of making an educated guess as to the outcome of a situation.

Question 31

What are the characteristics of a good experiment?

Answer 31

- Have only 1 variable - Use a larger sample of variable - Use random selection - Repeat the experiment - Use double-blind testing

Question 32

What are three ethical issues associated with biology?

Answer 32

- The use of captive animals in experiments - The origin of life - Cloning animals

Question 33

What is ethics in the terms of an experiment?

Answer 33

It relates to whether conduct is right or wrong.

Question 34

What is a double blind testing?

Answer 34

It means that both the investigator and the participant are unaware of the nature of the treatment the participant is receiving.

Question 35

What are safety procedures in relation to the experiment

Answer 35

- Tie back long hair - Wear lab coats - Wear safety goggles when necessary - Report all accidents

Question 36

Why are the following important in experimentation: - Sample size - random selection - Replicates - Double-blind testing

Answer 36

It allows for a fair and more reliable experiment.