Biology - The Scientific Method

Biology

Biology

the study of living things

Scientific Method

a process of investigation in which problems are identified and their suggested explanations are tested by carrying out experiments

Observation

when something is noticed

Hypothesis

an educated guess based on observations

Experiment

is designed to test a hypothesis

Data

consists of the measurements, observations, or information gathered from experiments

Conclusion

a summary of the results of an experiment

Theory

a hypothesis that has been supported by many different experiments

Principle or Law

arises from a theory that has been shown to be valid when fully tested over a long period of time

Variable

a factor that may change in an experiment

Control

used to provide a comparison (or standard) against which the actual experiment can be judged

Replicate

a repeat of an experiment

Double blind

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

Ethics

relates to whether conduct is right or wrong

Step 1

Observation

Step 2

Hypothesis

Step 3

Experimentation

Step 4

Collection and Interpretation of Data

Step 5

Conclusion

Step 6

Relating the conclusion to existing knowledge

Step 7

Reporting and Publishing the results

Principles of Experimentation

1. Careful planning and design

2. Ensure that the experiment is safe

3. Design a control experiment

4. Experiments must be fair

Limitations

1. The extent of our knowledge

2. The basis of investigation

3. Interpreting results

4. Changes in the natural world

5. Accidental discoveries