1.

2 The Scientific
Investigation
The Scientific Method

 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. Identifying a problem
2. Forming a hypothesis
3. Planning the experiment
4. Identifying and controlling variables
5. Conducting the experiment
6. Collecting data
7. Recording data
8. Analysing and interpreting data
9. Making conclusion
10. 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
 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
 Variables – factors/condition which
influence the result of the experiment
 Three types:
3. Manipulated variable – factor/condition
that we change in the experiment
4. Responding variable – factor/condition
that change according to the one that
we change
5. Fix/Constant variable – factor/condition
that are kept the same throughout the
5. Conducting the
experiment
 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
 Data – result of the experiment
 Obtained by means of
observation and measurement
 Should be accurate and objective
7. Recording data
 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
 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
 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
 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
 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
 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?