LC BIOLOGY- The Scientific Method

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

educated guess based on observations

Experiment

designed to test a hypothesis

Data

information gathered from experiments

Conclusion

summary of the results in 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

carry out procedure

Step 2

gather data

Step 3

repeat

Step 4

analyse data

Step 5

make conclusion

Step 6

publish to scientific journal

Principles of Experimentation

1. large sample size

2. repetition

3. safety

4. no bias

Limitations

1. human error

2. accidental discoveries