Unit 4 – AOS 3: Experimental Design & Methodology

Biological Concepts

Specific to the investigation, include definitions of key terms and their significance.

Methodology Characteristics

Independent, dependent, and controlled variables must be clearly identified and appropriately used.

Primary Quantitative Data

Techniques for generating measurable data relevant to the investigation.

Measurement Quality

Accuracy, precision, reproducibility, repeatability, and validity must be considered.

Health, Safety, Ethics

Guidelines must be followed during the scientific investigation.

Scientific Evidence

Evidence may support or refute a hypothesis, model, or theory.

Data Analysis

Organise, analyse, and evaluate primary data to identify patterns, relationships, errors, and uncertainty.

Authentication

Use a logbook to authenticate generated primary data.

Assumptions & Limitations

Consider methodology, data generation, and analysis limitations.

Science Communication

Use correct scientific terminology, symbols, formulas, abbreviations, and units.

Poster Presentation

Must be succinct, with conventions including acknowledgements and references.

Key Findings & Implications

Clearly communicate the results and their significance.

Case Study

Investigation of activity, behaviour, event, or problem using real or hypothetical situations.

Case Study (Historical)

Analysis of causes and consequences.

Case Study (Real or Role-Play)

Make recommendations.

Case Study (Problem-Solving)

Design or develop new methods.

Classification

Arranging objects, phenomena, or events into sets.

Identification

Recognising phenomena as belonging to existing or new sets.

Controlled Experiment

Tests relationship between independent and dependent variable while controlling all others.

Correlational Study

Observation and recording without manipulation, used to identify relationships and make predictions.

Fieldwork

Observation and interaction in real environments beyond the classroom.

Fieldwork Methods

Qualitative/quantitative observations, sampling, interviews, and questionnaires.

Literature Review

Analysis of secondary data to provide background, explain events, or prepare for primary data.

Modelling

Construction of physical, conceptual, or mathematical representations.

Physical Model

Scale representation of a system.

Conceptual Model

Representation of systems using concepts.

Mathematical Model

Equations showing variable relationships for predictions.

Product, Process or System Development

Design of an artefact, process, or system to meet a human need using scientific and technological knowledge.

Accuracy

How close a measurement is to the true value.

Precision

How closely repeated measurements agree with each other.

Repeatability

Agreement of repeated measurements under the same conditions (same procedure, observer, instrument, location, short time).

Reproducibility

Agreement of measurements under different conditions (different method, observer, instrument, location, or time).

True Value

The actual value (or range) found if measured perfectly.

Validity (Measurement)

A measurement is valid if it measures what it is supposed to.

Validity (Experiment)

An experiment is valid if it investigates what it claims to.