Scientific approaches

Understanding Scientific Approaches

  • Hypotheses are proposed explanations for a set of observations, and can be tested through further experimentation.
  • An experiment is a procedure performed in a controlled environment to test a hypothesis.
  • Experiments should be repeatable, meaning that other individuals should be able to perform the same experiment under the same conditions and achieve the same results.
  • Aspects that are manipulated in an experiment are known as variables. They can be independent (manipulated by the experimenter), dependent (measured as a result), or controlled (kept constant to prevent influence on results).

Experiment Design Considerations

  • Randomisation minimises biases and helps to ensure that any effects observed are due to the manipulation of the independent variable.
  • Replication is the repetition of an experiment. More repetition can help to ensure accuracy and reliability.
  • There should be only one independent variable in an experiment. This allows the results to be clearly linked to that variable.
  • Control groups are used to compare the effects observed in experimental groups that receive the treatment.

Data Analysis

  • Quantitative data involves numerical information and enables statistical analysis.
  • Qualitative data involves non-numerical information and is often descriptive in nature.
  • Statistical analysis is the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and modelling of data.
  • Using appropriate graphs and tables for data representation is key in effectively communicating scientific findings.

Reporting Research

  • A methodology section should detail how the experiment was set up and carried out, along with any problems faced.
  • The results section presents the data collected and any statistical findings.
  • The discussion section includes interpretation of the data, consideration of its implications, and acknowledgement of any potential errors.
  • The role of peer review is to validate the research by assessing its quality and relevance before it is published.