METHODS OF BIOLOGY
Chapter 1 & Appendix
1. The scientific method is a set of steps scientists use to gather information &
answer questions. The steps are:
a) define the problem
b) research the problem
c) form a testable hypothesis
d) design & conduct a controlled experiment
e) draw conclusions
2. The curious observer is the key to progress in science. Investigations begin
with the processes of observing & collecting data. It is important for
scientists to:
a) carefully use as many senses as are safely possible
b) make descriptions specific & adequate
c) notice what happens if conditions change
d) include measurements (size, number, weight, length of time, etc.)
e) maintain safety to minimize hazards to all involved
3. To make observations easier to understand when communicating them to
others, classify the data according to similarities & differences & then
organize it visually by using graphs, tables, diagrams, maps, etc.
4. Observations lead to a search for explanations & answers in the form of a
tentative answer or educated guess called a hypothesis. If evidence continues
to support the hypothesis, it is called a theory. The best hypothesis:
a) is testable - data can realistically be collected
b) simply & precisely predicts the outcome of an experiment
5. A controlled experiment to test the hypothesis is carefully designed with
data-gathering procedures that will give valid results. The experiment will be
made up of 2 groups:
a) control group is not be tested but will be used for comparing data
b) experimental group is tested with the 1 factor identified in the
hypothesis
6. The controlled experiment involves factors called variables.
a) independent variable - 1 factor being tested to determine its influence
b) dependent variable - 1 factor expected to respond
c) control variables - all factors that must be kept the same so they will not
interfere with the validity of the results
7. Once the experiment has been completed, an analysis of data requires a
summary of what happened & a description of how the results did or did not
support the hypothesis. Results can be further verified by repeating the
experiment, collecting additional data, making changes in the experiment’s
design, etc.