bio investigation types

case study

An investigation of a particular activity, behaviour, event or problem that contains a real or hypothetical situation and includes the complexities that would be encountered in the real world.

classification and identification

Classification is the arrangement of phenomena, objects or events into manageable sets, whereas identification is a process of recognition of phenomena as belonging to particular sets or possibly being part of a new or unique set

controlled experiment

An experimental investigation of the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable, controlling all other variables

correlational study

Planned observation and recording of events and behaviours that have not been manipulated or controlled to understand the relationships/associations that exist between variables, to identify which factors may be of greater importance, and to make predictions

fieldwork

Based on inquiry or the investigation of an issue, fieldwork involves observing and interacting with a selected environment beyond the classroom, usually in an attempt to determine correlation, rather than a causal relationship. It may be conducted through direct qualitative and/or quantitative observations and sampling, participant observation, interviews and questionnaires.

literature review

Involves the collation and analysis of secondary data related to other people’s scientific findings and/or viewpoints in order to answer a question or provide background information to help explain observed events, or as preparation for an investigation to generate primary data.

modelling

Involves the construction of: a physical model, such as a small- or large-scale representation of an object; a conceptual model, which represents a system involving concepts that help people know, understand or simulate the system; or a mathematical model, which describes a system using mathematical equations that involve relationships between variables and that can be used to make predictions.

product, process, or system development

Design of an artefact, process or system to meet a human need, which may involve technological applications in addition to scientific knowledge and procedures.

simulation

A process of using a model to study the behaviour of a real or theoretical system. The modelling and manipulation of variables in a real system is useful because often the variables cannot be controlled as the system may be too complex, too large or small, too fast or slow, not accessible or too dangerous.