The Scientific Method

Question 1

What is biology?

Answer 1

Biology is the study of living things

Question 2

What is the scientific method?

Answer 2

The scientific method is the process of investigation in which problems are identified and their suggested explanations are tested by carrying out experiments.

Question 3

What is a hypothesis ?

Answer 3

A hypothesis is an educated guess based on an observation

Question 4

What are the seven steps of the scientific method?

Answer 4

1. Making observations
2. Forming a hypothesis
3. Carrying out experiments
4. Collecting and interpretation of data
5. Conclusion
6. Relating the conclusion to existing knowledge
7. Reporting and publishing the results (online scientific journal)

Question 5

What is a theory?

Answer 5

A theory is an explanation based on repeated hypotheses and experimentation

Question 6

What is a principle/law?

Answer 6

A principle/ law arises from a theory when it is seen always to be true under all conditions, over a long period of time.

Question 7

What are experiments based on?

Answer 7

• Safe procedures
• Establishing a control (comparison)
• Fair procedures: large sample size, random selection, can be replicated and double blind testing

Question 8

What is double blind testing?

Answer 8

When both the investigator and the participant are unaware of the nature of the treatment the participant is receiving.

Question 9

How is the value of the scientific method limited?

Answer 9

• Interpretation of results (thalidomide)
• Changes in nature (superbugs like MRSA)
• Accidental discoveries (penicillin)

Question 10

What is ethics?

Answer 10

Ethics refers to whether issues are right or wrong