Scientific method definitions

scientific method

to identify problems from investigations and to test the possible explanations by experimentation

observation

when something is noticed

hypothesis

an educated guess based on observation

what is the purpose of a hypothesis

to form the basis of a prediction

what is the purpose of experimentation

to test the hypothesis

data

consists of measurements and information gathered from the experiments

a theory

is a hypothesis that has been supported by numerous experiments

a law/principle

a theory that has been shown to be correct when tested over a long period of time

where are the results published

scientific journal

why is it important that results are published

• information made more widely available

• peer review/ spread knowledge so that others can learn and repeat

a variable

is a factor that can change in the experiment

a control

used to provide a comparison against the experiment

a replicate

when the experiment is repeated

what is the purpose of replication

to avoid bias and ensure reliability

how do you keep experiments fair

• Large sample size - more accurate results

• random selection - avoid bias and greater reliability

• double blind testing - avoids bias

• a control and a variable are used - for comparison

double blind testing

neither the tester nor the subject should know who is receiving the real drug or placebo

a placebo

a harmless drug given to patients in a control group in an investigation of a certain drug

limitations to scientific method

• by the extent of our basic knowledge

• by our ability to interpret results

• accidental discoveries

• bias

• human error

ethical issues

argue if something is right or wrong e.g use of animals