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

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.

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. Gay

The Principles of Experimentation

  1. Careful design and planning.
  2. Safety
  3. Design a control experiment.
  4. The experiment must be fair. This can be ensured by:
  - Uing the method of double blind testing in experiments such as drug trials. 
  - Using a large sample size.
  - Random selection of participants.
  - Others must be able to replicate your experiment.

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.


References

Who Added These Notes?

SmithandJones, Tracert

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