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Scientific method
The Scientific metho
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| The Scientific method | The Scientific method is a process of investigation carried out in order to explain observations made in the natural world. |
| Steps in the scientific method 1-4 | 1. Making observations 2. Formulating a hypothesis 3. Designing a controlled experiment 4. Collecting and interpreting data |
| Steps in the scientific method 5-8 | 5. Forming a conclusion 6. Comparing the conclusion with existing knowledge 7. Reporting and publishing the results 8. Developing theories and principles |
| Observations | You observe something using your senses or machines which are basically extensions of those senses |
| Hypothesis | An educated guess based on an observation |
| Experiment | a test to determine the validity of hypotheses |
| Collecting & interpreting data | • You carry out the experiment(s) using the method you came up with and record the results. •You repeat the experiment to confirm your results. |
| Conclusion | •You state whether your prediction was confirmed or not and try to explain your results. •An explanation of the results. |
| Analysing conclusions | •You compare your conclusion with existing Knowledge. •Very often the conclusion reached in one experiment will lead to the need to design further experiements. |
| Publishing | •You Report and Publish your results -Usually reported in scientific journals, websites & publications. E.g. PubMed |
| Theory | A theory is a hypothesis that has been supported by many experiments |
| Principle | When a theory has been shown to be valid over a long period of time it is called a principle or law. |
| Careful planning & designing | 1. An experiment is a controlled test. 2. Only one variable should be changed at a time. (A) Independent variable – changed by the experimenter. (Hint: I change the Independent variable) (B). Dependent variable (Responding) – the effect (result) |
| Safety Procedures | •Wear eye protection when instructed. •Long hair should be tied back and dangling jewellery, baggy clothing etc. secured. •Hands should be washed after laboratory practical work. |
| Experimental control | •Constants do not change. •Controlled variables are those which could change, but are not allowed to. |
| Control | A factor in an experiment that provides a standard with which the results of the experiment may be compared |
| Large sample size | •A large sample size produces more reliable results. •Gives better representation of population |
| Random Selection | •When selecting a sample to be tested, they should be selected at random. -Prevents Bias (unfairness) -More accurate results |
| Replication | •Enables variability within an investigation to be determined •results will be more accurate |
| Double-blind testing | An experiment where neither the tester nor the patient knows what treatment has been given. • Prevents conscious or unconscious bias. • More reliable results. |
| Placebo | A substance with no active medication used as a control in an experiment. |
| Limitations of the Scientific Method | •Extent of our basic knowledge. •The basis of investigation. •Interpretation of results •Application to a natural changing world •Accidental Discovery |
| Extent of our basic knowledge. | How much we currently know about the natural world limits the hypothesis we can form. E.g. Is their life on other planets? |
| The basis of investigation. . | •The reasons for carrying out at experiment a certain way. •Bad design or improperly carried out experiments lead to inaccurate results |
| Interpretation of results | •Faulty conclusions & hypotheses can be drawn if one scientist interprets data differently |
| Application to a natural changing world | •World is in a constant state of change.E.g. antibiotic resistance |
| Accidental Discovery | Discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming |
Created by:
Caoimhek
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