1.2 The Scientific Investigation

1.2 The Scientific Investigation

The Scientific Method 

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The process of gathering facts based on an observable event or phenomenon Need to be adopted in learning Biology

Steps involve in the Scientific Investigation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Identifying a problem Forming a hypothesis Planning the experiment Identifying and controlling variables Conducting the experiment Collecting data Recording data Analysing and interpreting data Making conclusion Writing a report

1. Identifying a problem Observe a specific phenomenon.  Pose question related to the phenomenon.  In the form of statement/question.  Example: Situation: A plant grows under sunlight. Problem statement: Do plants need sunlight to grow? 

2. Forming a hypothesis 

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Hypothesis – general statement or a possible explanation to the problem under investigation Based on observation Could be tested through experiment Example:

Problem statement: What is the effect of light intensity to the photosynthesis process in plant?

Hypothesis: The higher the light intensity, the higher the rate of photosynthesis.  Relate the manipulated variable with

3. Planning the experiment      

Gathering relevant information about the experiment Determining the materials and apparatus needed Identifying variables that will influence the result of the experiment Determining the technique to be used Determining the procedure to do the experiment Determining how to make observation and measurements to be taken

4. Identifying and controlling variables 

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Variables – factors/condition which influence the result of the experiment Three types: Manipulated variable – factor/condition that we change in the experiment Responding variable – factor/condition that change according to the one that we change Fix/Constant variable – factor/condition that are kept the same throughout the

5. Conducting the experiment  

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Follow the procedure and technique that have been decided. Include control experiment, which is similar in every aspect to the test experiment except that the manipulated variable is kept constant for comparison At the end of the experiment, clean the apparatus, put them back I the right place and dispose the

6. Collecting data  

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Data – result of the experiment Obtained by means of observation and measurement Should be accurate and objective

7. Recording data  

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Presenting the data Can be presented in the form of tables, graphs, charts or diagram In a table, the quantity must have unit, the first column shows the manipulated variables and the second row shows the responding variable. In a graph, x-axis shows the manipulated variable and the y-axis shows the responding variable

8. Analysing and interpreting data  

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Include calculation Determine the relationship between manipulated variable with responding variable Relate the information gathered with the problem that is being investigated

9. Making conclusion 

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Find out whether the result support or refute the hypothesis. If the hypothesis is rejected, form a new hypothesis and repeat the investigation until the hypothesis is accepted.

10. Writing a report 

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Present the result of the experiment in writing Must be accurate, complete and clear

Format of a report          

Objective/aim Problem statement Hypothesis Variables Materials and apparatus Technique Procedure Results Discussion Conclusion

Scientific Attitudes And Noble Values 

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Have inquiring mind and a keen interest in nature and the environment Cooperative and considerate towards others and the environment Show honesty and accuracy in conducting experiment and in recording data Be objective and rational Have a sense of responsibility and accountability to the community as a

Test yourself  

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What is Scientific Method? What are the steps involve in a scientific investigation? Why do experiment usually require a control? Give two examples of scientific attitudes and noble values?