PLANNING AN

INVESTIGATION
Identify the variables
• Independent variable – the variable that is altered during a scientific experiment.
• Dependent variable – the variable being tested or measured during a scientific
experiment.
• Controlled variable – a variable that is kept the same during a scientific experiment.
Any change in a controlled variable would invalidate the results.

Example
Practical 1.4 - Investigating the effect of temperature on the action of an enzyme
• Independent variable – temperature.
• Dependent variable – time taken for starch to be digested.
• Controlled variables – pH, enzyme concentration and volume of enzyme.
Hypothesis

• A hypothesis or prediction is made with limited evidence at the

beginning of a scientific investigation.
• Biological knowledge should be used to justify the prediction.

Example
Practical 1.4 - Investigating the effect of temperature on the action of an
enzyme
• At low temperatures the enzyme will break starch down slowly due to a
lack of kinetic energy and at very high temperatures starch will not be
broken down, as the enzyme will be denatured.
Method
• Various methods have been detailed in the relevant study guides.
• A method is planned so the prediction can be tested.
• It is sometimes appropriate to setup a control experiment.
• A control experiment is necessary for comparison purposes and proves that
any change in the results is due to the independent variable being altered.
• A method needs to produce accurate, reliable results.
• The accuracy of a measurement is dependent on the quality of the measuring
apparatus and the skill of the scientist involved.
• For data to be considered reliable, any variation in values must be small.
• Repeating a scientific investigation makes it more reliable.
Risk assessment

• A risk assessment is a careful examination of what could cause harm

to people during a scientific investigation.
• A hazard is anything that may cause harm, such as chemicals,
electricity, extreme heat etc.
• The risk is the chance, high or low, that somebody could be harmed
by the hazards identified.
• The prevention methods are strategies put in place to avoid any
injuries.
Practical 1.4 - Investigating the effect of temperature on the
action of an enzyme

Hazard Risk Prevention

Iodine Irritation of the eyes/skin Wear goggles
Diagram of equipment

Diagrams are drawn to show the setup of the equipment being used.
Diagrams should be:
• Drawn in pencil. Lines should be firm and continuous with no gaps
(not sketchy).
• As large as possible.
• Labelled using separate ruled lines. These should be spread out with a
bullet point on one end and a clearly written label on the other.
Recording results

Any data collected from a scientific investigation should be recorded in

a results table.
A results table needs to include:
• Appropriate headings.
• Appropriate units (written in the column heading only).
• All data collected.
• Any repeats obtained.
• Appropriate calculations (e.g. average).