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When scientists carry out investigations they aim to collect adequate data

 

NoS theme

When scientists carry out investigations they aim to collect adequate data
‘Adequate data’ can be used to create a convincing case in support of the proposed scientific explanation (when subject to peer review).

Teacher’s notes

Collecting adequate data may require that the same investigation be repeated a sufficient number of times in order to reduce the likelihood of error, or that different types of investigation are carried out.

In principle any science explanation may be called into question either through a new technique that changes the quality of observation possible or in light of an alternative theory that is supported by a more convincing case.

Teacher reflection

  • How do scientists decide how much data is adequate?
  • If scientists gather inadequate data, what can happen?
  • What might limit the amount of data that scientists can gather?
  • Should scientists modify investigations to ensure that they can gather an adequate amount of data? Why or why not?
  • Why might scientists take samples rather than counting or measuring everything?

Science IS activities

3 activities use this theme.

Lvl CS Topic Activity
4-5 Material world Sports studies

Factors affecting ball bounce
Due to the many possible explanations for phenomena, scientists may need to carry out a sequence of increasingly focused fair tests before they can draw a conclusion.

5-6 Living world Sports studies

Joint injuries: sampling and statistics
When investigating sports injuries scientists may analyse the work done by physiotherapists.

6-7 Living world Rocky shore

Surveying beach populations using transects
To establish zonation patterns, scientists need a large pool of data to create a convincing case.

Back to topPublished 30 June 2005