Assignment Problem:
Introduction:
The scientific method is not a new idea; it has been utilized by generations of scientists. This activity will introduce you to some of the most famous scientific experiments and discoveries - ones that continue to influence our lives even today! See if you can identify the different parts of the scientific method and experimental design in each.
The Strange Case of BeriBeri:
In 1887 a strange nerve disease attacked the people in the Dutch East Indies. The disease was called "beriberi". Symptoms of the disease included weakness and loss of appetite, victims often died of heart failure.
Experiment:
Scientists thought the disease might be caused by bacteria. They injected chickens with blood from patients with the beriberi disease. The injected chickens became sick. However, so did the other group of chickens that were not injected with bacteria.
Question 1. What was the initial hypothesis in this example?
Question 2. A hypothesis is always based on prior knowledge, research, or observation. What do you think scientists based this hypothesis on?
Question 3. What independent variable were the scientists studying in this case? What dependent variable were the scientists measuring?
Question 4. What was the experimental group in their study? What was the control group?
Question 5. Why is a control group important? What conclusion might the scientists have reached if they did not use a control group in this example?
Question 6. Would this first experiment be considered a failure? Explain why or why not.