INTRODUCTION TO SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION

IMPORTANCE AND
LESSON

6.1.1 LIMITATIONS OF THE

Time Frame: 30 Min.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Time Allotted: 1 min Actual Time: __________
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. explain the importance of the scientific method; and
2. point out the limitations of the scientific method.

Time Allotted: 3 min Actual Time: __________

Science is defined as: “the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic
study of the structure and behaviors of the physical and natural world through observation
and experiment.” Scientific method is the most important element of science. It warrants a
systematic method in coming up a good solution to a problem from observation in the natural
world.

Every technology and ingenuity that surrounds us are products of science innovations and inventions.
Our laptops, smartphones, the theory of evolution, the theory of relativity, the law of conservation of
matter, and the COVID-19 testing protocols are all products of science. Technology is always
changing and amending with the pipe dream to improve our lives. But as technology unfolds, it also
has its limitations and drawbacks.

Clayton M. Christensen coined the term disruptive innovation that refers to a new technology that
eventually disrupts and outperforms existing technologies. For example, Netflix, when it first opened
in 1998, was purely a movie rental service. Users order movies on their website and Netflix mails the
DVDs. The users will then mail the DVDs back to Netflix. After significant growth, Netflix allowed
their users to keep the DVDs as long as they liked but could only rent a new movie after returning
their existing one. Netflix used to target only people who love to watch movies but were not
necessarily interested in new releases. Eventually, they ventured into streaming media in 2007
pushing Blockbuster, a competitor, out of the movie rental market (McFadden, 2020).

Netflix is one of the many disruptive innovations that have transformed industries. Just like any
innovation, its success is a product of numerous trials and errors.

In this lesson, we will explore other breakthroughs in science and technology that have changed our
lives.

Learning Guide 6.1.1 Page 1 of 6

 Time Allotted: 12 min Actual Time: __________

Here are some breakthroughs and discoveries in science that changed our lives:

The Atomic Theory

Defined that objects are made up of invisible and indestructible particles called atoms. Atoms are
defined as the basic building blocks of matter and when joined together they form molecules
which in turn form most objects around us.

The Copernican System

Described that the sun is the center of the solar system and that planets are revolving around it
including our planet earth.

Gravity

Isaac Newton described that some “forces’ must be acting on falling objects like apples because
otherwise they would not start moving from rest. He called this “force” as gravity and that
gravitational forces exist between all objects.

Penicillin

The discovery of antibiotics is a major breakthrough in science that is able to kill bacteria that makes
us ill. Without antibiotics, bacteria can thrive and infect a person and eventually may lead to death.

The Internet

Said to be the most significant invention of our current time, the Internet has an enormous impact on
science allowing not only real-time communications but also sharing of research outputs and other
relevant information.

DNA

It has catapulted medical treatment and paved the way to solving heinous crimes. It leads us to
understand and investigate the building blocks of life and what makes us who we are.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) had been a subject of study in the past years. It enables machines to learn,
process and store information more than humans could ever do. Moreover, artificial intelligence can
detect patterns, errors and duplication.

Learning Guide 6.1.1 Page 2 of 6

 Medical Imaging

This is an essential tool for clinical diagnosis that allows medical doctors to see beyond the skin for
accurate treatment. Examples are x-ray, ultrasound and MRI scanners that ensure high and accurate
treatment with a least invasive procedure to the patient.

These are only several examples of breakthroughs that definitely favored the improvement of the
quality of life. Can you cite other examples? You may look for other breakthroughs and share them
with your classmates and teacher through Khub conferencing.

Breakthroughs in science as a result of rigorous and methodical processes pave the way to advance
and benefit human civilization. However, some ethical, behavioral and philosophical intricacy arises
on how these technological breakthroughs really affect human and society. Limitations on the nature
of science forms the bases of these complexities.

Some Limitations of the Scientific Method:

● Highly subjective results due to the possibility of human error.

Errors such as systemic or random may result in inaccurate and unreliable data collection.
Incompetent and inefficient methods and laboratory personnel may lead to errors that
invalidates data and conclusion. Examples: failure to follow the procedure, mishaps in
measuring, contaminated laboratory tools and miscalculations of data.

● UNREALISTIC experimental research.

Controlled variables may produce corrupted or inaccurate results and may seem authentic.
The variables can be controlled in such a way that it moves the data toward a desired result.
Data can also be corrupted and assumed like they are positive, but because the real-life
environment is sometimes far more different from the controlled environment, the positive
results could never be achieved outside of the experimental research.

● Time-consuming

Examples are development of vaccines and effects of radiation on humans such as the use
of smartphones and cables.

● Ethics and Legal Responsibilities

This pertains to whether issues are right or wrong. Example includes: using of laboratory
animals for experiment, cloning, freezing human sperm and embryo, genetically modified
organism (GMO), contraception, abortion, and assisted fertilization.

Moreover, deception and fraud on scientific methods and procedures corrupts credibility and
may lead to loss of correct and reliable conclusions.

Learning Guide 6.1.1 Page 3 of 6

● Experiment Design and Instrument availability

Observation is the easiest and simplest form of data collection. However, not all can be
considered reliable. Example: faulty perception of the observer, biases, and generalization
over an observed phenomenon.

One of the most important components of a research design is the laboratory

instruments because they gather and collect data or information. Calibration of
equipment and instruments are necessary for a precise data collection.

● Constrained by the extent of existing knowledge

Experiment design and formulation of hypotheses is based primarily on existing human
knowledge. However, before the development of antibiotics, many diseases could not be
explained. Example: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (causative agent of Tuberculosis).

Time Allotted: 6 min Actual Time: __________

Non-Graded Activity:

Now, let us try to reflect on how science and technology impacted our lives. This part is
Non-graded but may be required for submission. Follow your teacher’s instructions
regarding possible submission.

1. List down 3 technological inventions that you are using in your day to day activities. Briefly
explain how these inventions help you in your daily or difficult tasks.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

Criteria Very Good (3pts) Good(2pts) Fair (1pt)

Technological Cited 3 inventions Cited 3 inventions Cited 2 Cited only 1

Inventions inventions invention

Organization 1. Logical example on All criteria are met 2 criteria are 1 criterion is met
of ideas the use of invention to met
daily lives.
2. Clear description of
every invention
3. Well organized
thought

Learning Guide 6.1.1 Page 4 of 6

 Time Allotted: 8 min Actual Time: __________

Graded-Formative Assessment:

Answer the following questions. Follow your teacher’s instructions regarding submission
of outputs.

Multiple Choice. Choose the correct answer among the given choices.

1. The part of the scientific method that contains the standard procedure to follow
a. hypothesis
b. experimentation
c. data analysis
d. conclusion
2. Which step would probably be the last in the scientific study?
a. data collection
b. data analysis
c. publishing your results
d. drawing conclusion

3. During which step of the scientific method experimentation is performed?

a. results analysis
b. making conclusion
c. making hypothesis
d. testing hypothesis
4.What skill are you using when you listen to the sounds of crashing waves?
a. interpreting data
b. making observation
c. making hypothesis
d. drawing conclusion

5. Scientists need to publish or share their findings from their experiment. Why is it
important to publish the result of the experiment?
a. so that people will know how great you are
b. so that other scientists will appreciate your effort
c. so that other scientists may compare their work and collaborate with you
d. to let other scientists critique your work and advertise their outputs instead

6. Which of the following statements is TRUE about the scientific method?

a. It produces true results all the time.
b. Scientists collect data from experiments that are free from errors.
c. Experimental results are subject to change if there is enough evidence to disprove
them.
d. Experimental results are true and correct since they are gathered and processed
using the scientific method.

Learning Guide 6.1.1 Page 5 of 6

 7. Which of the following is NOT a product of the scientific method?
a. Tinted glass
b. Vertical gardening
c. Scented candle
d. Love letter
8. No matter what part of the scientific method you start with; the first step that would give
you another set of investigation is to;
a. predict the outcome
b. communicate result
c. draw conclusion
d. identify problem

9. Jane wants to know the effect of fertilizer to her plants. What steps should she take to
come up with a good conclusion on the effect of fertilizer?
a. form a hypothesis, conduct an experiment, record data, make a conclusion
b. conduct an experiment, form a hypothesis, make a conclusion, record data
c. form a hypothesis, record data, conduct an experiment, make a conclusion
d. record data, form a hypothesis, make a conclusion, conduct an experiment

10. After collecting experimental data, you proceed to decide if they support the hypothesis.
What step are you in?
a. making observation
b. forming hypothesis
c. asking question
d. drawing conclusion

Ask about Ireland. (n.d.). Scientific Method Limitations

http://www.askaboutireland.ie/learning-zone/secondary-
students/science/biology/scientific-method/scientific-method
limitat/#:~:text=Scientific%20Method%20Limitations%201%20Constrained%20by%2
0the%20extent,observation%20and%20interpretation%20of%20results.%20More%20i
tems...%20/

Louisse Gaille. (2017, April 13). 16 Advantages and Disadvantages of experimental Research
https://vittana.org/16-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-experimental-research/

Paramount recruitment. (n.d.). The five greatest scientific discoveries and inventions ever.
https://www.pararecruit.com/five-greatest-scientific-discoveries-inventions-ever/

Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by

Ruel B. Barbosa Suzette A. Palicte Alice C. Manuel

Special Science Teacher 1 Special Science Teacher IV Special Science Teacher IV
Eastern Visayas Campus Southern Mindanao Campus Cagayan Valley Campus

Learning Guide 6.1.1 Page 6 of 6

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