The Scientific Method

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The scientic method is a process of investigation in which problems are identified & their suggested eplanations are tested by carring out experiments

Contents 1 Introduction to Biology 2 Process of the Scientific Method 3 Principles of Experimentation 4 Relevant Exam Questions 5 References

[edit] Introduction to Biology

Science is the organized & objective study of the physical, material & living world. Biology is the study of living things. areas to study: Botany,Zoology,micrology,toxanamy,anotmy,physiology,cutoolgy,biochemistry.ecology & genetics.

[edit] Process of the Scientific Method

this knowledge is obtained by asking questions and then searching for the relevent answers to these questions.

1. Observation
2. Hypothesis
3. Experiment
4. Collection & interpretation of data.
5. Conclusion
6. relating the conclusion to existing knowledge
7. reporting & publishing the results.

[edit] Principles of Experimentation

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[edit] Relevant Exam Questions

2008 HL, Section A, Question 3 (20 marks). Answer the following, which relate to the scientific method, by completing the blank spaces.

• (a) As a result of her observations a scientist may formulate a _____________. She will then progress her investigation by devising a series of _____________ and then carefully analysing the resulting _____________.

• (b) Why is a control especially important in biological investigations?

• (c) If a scientist wished to determine the effect of a certain herbicide on weed growth she would include a control in the investigation. Suggest a suitable control in this case.

• (d) The use of replicates is an important aspect of scientific research. What, in this context, are replicates?

• (e) Suggest where a scientist may publish the results of her investigations.

[edit] References

• - Link to PDF download explaining The Scientific Method @ biology.ie