1.1 The Scientific Method

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Examples of areas of study in Biology:
Genetics: Study of genes and heredity
Zoology: Study of animals
Botany: Study of plants

The Scientific Method
Process of investigation in order to explain observations in the natural world.
1)Observation
Taking in of information from the natural world.
2)Hypothesis
Educated guess/idea based on an observation
3)Experiment
Test to determine the validity of the hypothesis
4)Data
Results measured/Observations
5)Conclusion
Explanation of results

The Limitation of The Scientific Method
1)Extent of basic knowledge
How much we currently know can limit our hypothesis
2)Basis of investigation
Experiments can't always mimic real life situations
3)Interpretation of Results 
One scientist interprets results differently to another
4)Application to a changing natural world
A discovery can become less useful e.g. antibiotics

The Principles of Experiments
Control: Factor in an experiment which provides a standard for comparison
Random Selection: Choosing factors for an experiment without method or conscious choice
Replicate: Repeat of experiment
Double-Blind Testing: Neither tester or patient knows what treatment is given
Placebo: Non-active medication, used as a control

Comments