The Scientific Method and Biology Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental concepts in biology, the steps and definitions of the scientific method, principles of experimentation, and scientific ethics.

Biology

The study of living things.

Ecology

Organisms and their environment.

Microbiology

The study of small organisms

Genetics

The study of inheritance.

Scientific Method

A series of steps for answering questions, acquiring knowledge through observation, hypothesis testing, and experimental validation

Observation

An unbiased, accurate report of an event.

Hypothesis

An educated guess based on an observation.

Experiment

A test to determine the validity of a hypothesis.

Data

The results gathered during an experiment, e.g. measurements.

Theory

A well-supported explanation based on extensive evidence and repeated testing.

Principle

A theory that has yet to be proven untrue

Control

A standard against which the actual experiment can be measured.

Placebo

A fake treatment used in an experiment to act as a control.

Replication

Repeating an experiment to produce the same results, showing that results are reliable and not due to some unknown factor.

Random selection

Selection method that reduces the chance of choosing a biased sample.

Double-blind testing

Testing when neither the tester nor the person being tested knows who is receiving the real treatment and who is receiving the placebo.

Ethics

Relates to whether actions are right or wrong.

How are observations made?

Directly using the senses (sight, smell, etc.) or indirectly using equipment (thermometer, microscope, etc.).

Law

A theory that is proven to be true.

Three limitations of the scientific method

1. The extent of existing knowledge 2. Poor experimental design 3. Incorrect interpretation of results

Key considerations when designing an experiment

1. Careful planning and safety precautions

2. Including a control with only one independent variable changed

3. Ensuring fairness (large sample size, replication, random selection, and double-blind testing)