UNIT2

HOW BIOLOGISTS WORK

Biologists work by using the scientific method of investigating and solving problems.

Scientific method refers to a body of techniques for solving problems, acquisition of knowledge and investigation of facts about nature.

It involves identification of problem, formulation of hypothesis, experimentation, analyzing resuls, making deductions and conclusions.

In planning and carrying out experiment both in the field and in the laboratory, biologist follows the scientific method of investigation. The scientific procedure for writing up an experiment and investigating into problem involves

When designing an experiment, a control is set up.
The control experiment is a non-variable or standard with which the variable being investigated in the experiment can be compared.
The variable factor under investigation is often absent from the actual experiment but present in the control experiment.

A summary of skills that are required for effective practical and experimental work is as follows:

  1. Equipment handling
  2. Planning and designing of experiments
  3. Observation
  4. Manipulation
  5. Classification
  6. Drawing
  7. Measuring
  8. Interpretation
  9. Recording
  10. Reporting
  11. Conduct in laboratory/field
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