Btec applied science biology unit 6 learning aim c d Unit 6: investigative project Learning
aim D: review the investigative project using correct scientific principles
Course
Btec applied science biology unit 6 learning aim c
1. Question
Why is it important to evaluate experimental reliability in an investigation?
Answer:
To determine whether the results are consistent and reproducible.
Rationale:
Reliability shows if repeated trials under the same conditions produce similar results. Without it,
conclusions cannot be trusted scientifically.
2. Question
A student repeats an experiment three times and gets similar results each time. What does this
indicate?
Answer:
High reliability of results.
Rationale:
Consistent repetition reduces random error and increases confidence in the data.
3. Question
What is meant by validity in an investigation?
Answer:
Whether the experiment measures what it is intended to measure.
Rationale:
If uncontrolled variables affect results, the investigation may not be valid even if data is reliable.
4. Question
A student did not control temperature in an enzyme experiment. How does this affect the review
of the investigation?
Answer:
It reduces the validity of the results.
,Rationale:
Temperature affects enzyme activity, so changes may be due to temperature rather than the
independent variable.
5. Question
Why is identifying anomalies important when reviewing data?
Answer:
To determine whether unusual results should be included or excluded in analysis.
Rationale:
Anomalies may result from errors and can distort averages and conclusions.
6. Question
What is a limitation of using a small sample size?
Answer:
Results may not represent the whole population.
Rationale:
Small samples increase the impact of random variation, reducing reliability and generalisation.
7. Question
Why should graphs be used when reviewing experimental data?
Answer:
To identify patterns, trends, and relationships clearly.
Rationale:
Visual representation makes it easier to interpret results and detect anomalies or correlations.
8. Question
A student concludes that fertiliser increases plant growth, but only tested one plant. What is the
main issue?
Answer:
Insufficient replication and sample size.
, Rationale:
One sample cannot provide reliable evidence or support a valid scientific conclusion.
9. Question
How does peer review improve an investigation?
Answer:
It identifies errors, bias, and improves scientific accuracy.
Rationale:
Other scientists critically evaluate methods and conclusions, increasing credibility.
10. Question
What should be included in a strong evaluation of an investigative project?
Answer:
Discussion of errors, limitations, improvements, and conclusion validity.
Rationale:
A full evaluation shows scientific thinking by assessing both strengths and weaknesses and
suggesting improvements.
11. Question
Why should conclusions be directly linked to results?
Answer:
To ensure conclusions are evidence-based.
Rationale:
Scientific conclusions must be supported by data, not assumptions or personal opinion.
12. Question
What is a systematic error?
Answer:
A consistent error affecting all measurements in the same way.
Rationale:
It shifts results in one direction and usually comes from faulty equipment or method.
aim D: review the investigative project using correct scientific principles
Course
Btec applied science biology unit 6 learning aim c
1. Question
Why is it important to evaluate experimental reliability in an investigation?
Answer:
To determine whether the results are consistent and reproducible.
Rationale:
Reliability shows if repeated trials under the same conditions produce similar results. Without it,
conclusions cannot be trusted scientifically.
2. Question
A student repeats an experiment three times and gets similar results each time. What does this
indicate?
Answer:
High reliability of results.
Rationale:
Consistent repetition reduces random error and increases confidence in the data.
3. Question
What is meant by validity in an investigation?
Answer:
Whether the experiment measures what it is intended to measure.
Rationale:
If uncontrolled variables affect results, the investigation may not be valid even if data is reliable.
4. Question
A student did not control temperature in an enzyme experiment. How does this affect the review
of the investigation?
Answer:
It reduces the validity of the results.
,Rationale:
Temperature affects enzyme activity, so changes may be due to temperature rather than the
independent variable.
5. Question
Why is identifying anomalies important when reviewing data?
Answer:
To determine whether unusual results should be included or excluded in analysis.
Rationale:
Anomalies may result from errors and can distort averages and conclusions.
6. Question
What is a limitation of using a small sample size?
Answer:
Results may not represent the whole population.
Rationale:
Small samples increase the impact of random variation, reducing reliability and generalisation.
7. Question
Why should graphs be used when reviewing experimental data?
Answer:
To identify patterns, trends, and relationships clearly.
Rationale:
Visual representation makes it easier to interpret results and detect anomalies or correlations.
8. Question
A student concludes that fertiliser increases plant growth, but only tested one plant. What is the
main issue?
Answer:
Insufficient replication and sample size.
, Rationale:
One sample cannot provide reliable evidence or support a valid scientific conclusion.
9. Question
How does peer review improve an investigation?
Answer:
It identifies errors, bias, and improves scientific accuracy.
Rationale:
Other scientists critically evaluate methods and conclusions, increasing credibility.
10. Question
What should be included in a strong evaluation of an investigative project?
Answer:
Discussion of errors, limitations, improvements, and conclusion validity.
Rationale:
A full evaluation shows scientific thinking by assessing both strengths and weaknesses and
suggesting improvements.
11. Question
Why should conclusions be directly linked to results?
Answer:
To ensure conclusions are evidence-based.
Rationale:
Scientific conclusions must be supported by data, not assumptions or personal opinion.
12. Question
What is a systematic error?
Answer:
A consistent error affecting all measurements in the same way.
Rationale:
It shifts results in one direction and usually comes from faulty equipment or method.
