The Scientific Method and Biological Study

Vocabulary flashcards covering the discovery of penicillin, core definitions of the scientific method, data types, and evaluation standards in scientific research.

Penicillin

A chemical produced by fungus that kills bacteria, discovered accidentally by Alexander Fleming.

Biology

The scientific study of life.

The scientific method

A method of research in which a problem is identified, relevant information is collected, a hypothesis is formed, and the hypothesis tested by experimentation.

Hypothesis

A suggested explanation for an observation that allows for a prediction that can be tested.

Experiment

A scientific test, carried out under controlled conditions, as a test for a hypothesis.

Data

The information gathered in an experiment (the singular form is datum).

Primary data

Information collected by the person themselves.

Secondary data

Information collected by somebody else.

Conclusion

A summary of the results.

Peer review

The evaluation of scientific work by other experts in the same area of study.

Reproducibility

The practice where experiments are carried out a number of times to verify the results.

Theory

A hypothesis that has been supported by many different experiments.

Principle (or law)

A concept based on a theory that has been valid when fully tested over a long period of time.

Bias

An unfair, unreasoned or personal judgement.