The Scientific Method

Front 1

Scientific Method

Back 1

A way to solve a problem

Front 2

Biology

Back 2

Study of living things

Front 3

Botany

Back 3

Study of plants

Front 4

Biochemistry

Back 4

Study of chemistry of organisms

Front 5

Biotechnology

Back 5

Use of microorganisms go make other products e.g. Antibiotics

Front 6

Ecology

Back 6

Study of organisms + their environment

Front 7

Genetics

Back 7

Study of inheritance

Front 8

Microbiology

Back 8

Study of fungi

Front 9

Zoology

Back 9

Study of animals

Front 10

Steps of Scientific Method

Back 10

1. Observation

2. Hypothesis

3. Experimentation

4. Collection + Interpretation of Data

5. Conclusion

6. Relate Conclusion to Existing Knowledge

7. Reporting + Publishing of Results

8. Develop Theories + Principles

Front 11

Observation

Back 11

Obtained through senses (directly) or using equipment (indirectly)

e.g. Microscopes

Front 12

Hypothesis

Back 12

Educated guess based on observations

Front 13

Experimentation

Back 13

A test to see if hypothesis true or not. Results will support or contradict hypothesis.

Front 14

Collection + Interpretation of Data

Back 14

Info or data from experiment is collected, recorded + analysed

Front 15

Data

Back 15

Info, measurements + observations that are gathered

Front 16

Conclusion

Back 16

Final result explained + summarised. Explain if hypothesis is true/untrue + explain why.

Front 17

Relate Conclusion to Existing Knowledge

Back 17

Hypothesis either supported, changed or rejected

Front 18

Reporting/Publishing Results

Back 18

Results written or put into graphs so they can be seen by others

e.g. In scientific journal ("Science Advances")

Front 19

Theory

Back 19

A hypothesis continually supported by many different experiments. An uncertain idea but many believe it to be true.

Front 20

Principle/Law

Back 20

A theory repeatedly tested + valid under all conditions over long period of time.

Front 21

Principles of Experimentation

Back 21

1. Variables must be planned + observed

2. Safety

3. Control designed

4. Fairness

Front 22

Variables

Back 22

Factors that can influence results

Front 23

Control

Back 23

Standard used for comparison

Front 24

Ways to Ensure Experiments are Fair

Back 24

- Large sample group

- Random selection

- Others must be able to replicate experiment to ensure validity

- Double blind testing

- Control

Front 25

Double Blind Testing

Back 25

Experiment where neither person being tested nor tester should know who is receiving placebo

Front 26

Back 26

Explosive:

May explode if ignited in air, exposed to heat, sudden shock or friction

Front 27

Back 27

Oxidising:

May produce much heat when react with other substances, esp. flammable

Front 28

Back 28

Toxic:

Cause serious health risks or death if inhaled, swallowed or penetrated in skin

Front 29

Back 29

Corrosive:

Cause chemical burns to skin + eyes

Front 30

Back 30

Flammable:

Easily catch fire in lab under normal conditions

Front 31

Back 31

Harmful or Irritant:

Less risk than toxic but must handle with care

Front 32

Back 32

Safety Glasses:

Eye protection must be worn

Front 33

Limitations of Scientific Method

Back 33

- Extent of Knowledge:

Ability to form hypothesis + design fair experiments depends on knowledge of topic

- Basis of Investigation:

Poorly designed/ poorly carried out results = invalid

- Interpreting Data:

Results not interpreted correctly, faulty conclusions + hypothesis concluded

- Changes in Natural World:

Results only apply to living things at one period of time due to evolution

- Accidental Discoveries:

Yet valid when tested