Year 11 IS Revision

Modules 1 & 2
Year 11 Investigating Science M1-2 Revision

Inquiry question: How does observation instigate scientific investigation? 2

Inquiry question: What are the benefits and drawbacks of qualitative and quantitative
observations? 4

Inquiry question: How does the collection and presentation of primary data affect the outcome of
a scientific investigation? 6

Inquiry question: How do conclusions drawn from the interpretation of primary data promote
further scientific investigation? 6

Inquiry question: What inferences can be drawn from observations? 7

Inquiry question: How is secondary-sourced data used in practical investigations? 8

Inquiry question: How does humans’ ability to recognise patterns affect the way they interpret
data? 8

Inquiry question: How can hypotheses and assumptions be tested? 10

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Inquiry question: How does observation instigate scientific
investigation?
1 Give at least four examples of observations and explain how they can instigate an investigation.

Observations play a crucial role in instigating investigations across various fields. They can be the
starting point for inquiries and research endeavours. Here are four examples of observations and how
they can initiate investigations:
Unusual Animal Behaviour:
Observation: Local residents notice that birds in a specific area are behaving unusually, such as
flocking together in large numbers or exhibiting erratic flight patterns.
Investigation Initiation: This observation could trigger an investigation by ornithologists or
environmental scientists to determine the cause behind the unusual behavior. It might involve studying
local environmental factors, potential threats to the bird population (like pollution or disease), or changes
in migration patterns.
Sudden Increase in Crime Rates:
Observation: Law enforcement agencies observe a significant and sudden increase in crime rates in a
particular neighbourhood or city.
Investigation Initiation: This observation could lead to a comprehensive investigation by police and
criminologists to identify the root causes of the increase in crime. Factors such as economic conditions,
social unrest, or the presence of organized crime groups may be examined.
Unexplained Health Issues in a Community:
Observation: A community notices a surge in unexplained health issues among its residents, such as
respiratory problems or skin rashes.
Investigation Initiation: Public health officials and epidemiologists may investigate the observation to
determine if there's an environmental or infectious agent causing the health issues. This could involve air
and water quality testing, interviews with affected individuals, and the analysis of medical records.
Fluctuations in Stock Prices:
Observation: Investors and financial analysts observe significant fluctuations in the stock prices of a
particular company or industry.
Investigation Initiation: Observing such fluctuations can prompt financial regulators and analysts to
investigate potential market manipulation, fraud, or underlying economic conditions affecting the
company or industry. This investigation may include financial audits, market surveillance, and interviews
with key stakeholders.
In each of these examples, observations serve as the initial trigger for an investigation, prompting
experts and authorities to delve deeper into the underlying causes or factors contributing to the observed
phenomena. These investigations are essential for understanding and addressing issues in various
domains, from natural sciences to social sciences and beyond.
2 Compare and contrast qualitative and quantitative data.

Qualitative and quantitative data are two fundamental types of data used in research and analysis.
Qualitative data is descriptive and non-numerical in nature. It deals with qualities, characteristics, and
attributes. Common forms of qualitative data include text, images, audio, and video recordings, as well
as open-ended survey responses. Qualitative data is typically analysed through methods like content
analysis, thematic coding, and narrative analysis. It involves identifying patterns, themes, and meanings
within the data. Often used to explore complex phenomena, gain insights, and understand the context or
underlying reasons behind a particular issue. Examples of qualitative data include, interview transcripts,
focus group discussions, case studies, and observational notes are examples of qualitative data
sources.

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Quantitative data is numerical and measurable. It deals with quantities, amounts, and counts. Common
forms of quantitative data include integers, decimals, percentages, and measurements like height,
weight, or temperature. Quantitative data is analysed using statistical techniques such as mean, median
and standard deviation. It aims to identify trends, relationships, and statistical significance. Often used to
test hypotheses, make predictions, and draw generalizable conclusions from a sample to a larger
population. Example of quantitative data include, survey responses with multiple-choice questions, test
scores, sales figures, and stock market prices are examples of quantitative data sources.

Qualitative data is non-numeric and focuses on qualities and descriptions, while quantitative data is
numeric and focuses on quantities and measurements. Qualitative data analysis is subjective and
interpretative, whereas quantitative data analysis is objective and relies on statistical computations.
Qualitative data is exploratory and used to gain in-depth insights, while quantitative data is used to
quantify relationships, test hypotheses, and make generalizations. Qualitative data is often collected
through methods like interviews and observations, which involve open-ended questions, whereas
quantitative data collection often involves structured surveys or experiments with predefined response
options.

3 Explain the difference between observations and inferences. Use an example in your answer.

Observations are direct, factual, and objective pieces of information gathered through the five senses
(sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell) or through the use of scientific instruments. They are concrete
and typically describe what can be directly perceived or measured. An example of an observation is if
you see dark rain clouds forming in the sky and feel the temperature dropping, these are observations.
You are directly perceiving these phenomena through your senses and instruments (your eyes and a
thermometer). Inferences are conclusions or interpretations made based on observations and existing
knowledge. They involve reasoning and deductive or inductive thinking to explain or predict phenomena.
Inferences often go beyond what is directly observed. Suppose you observe the dark rain clouds and
dropping temperature as mentioned earlier. You may infer that it is likely to rain soon. This is an
inference because you are drawing a conclusion based on your observations and your prior knowledge
that dark clouds and a drop in temperature are often associated with rainfall.

4 Explain what is meant by cause and effect relationships. Use three examples to illustrate your
answer.
Cause and effect relationships refer to the connection between events or actions where one event or
action (the cause) leads to another event or outcome (the effect). These relationships help us
understand how various factors or variables interact with each other and influence the world around us.
Here are three examples to illustrate the concept of cause and effect relationships:
Example: Smoking and Lung Cancer Cause: Smoking cigarettes Effect: Developing lung cancer
Explanation: Scientific research has established a strong cause and effect relationship between smoking
and the development of lung cancer. Smoking exposes the lungs to harmful chemicals, which can lead
to the mutation of cells and the eventual formation of cancerous tumors in the lungs.
Example: Rainfall and Plant Growth Cause: Sufficient rainfall Effect: Healthy plant growth Explanation:
Adequate rainfall is a cause that directly impacts the effect of plant growth. Plants require water for
photosynthesis, nutrient absorption, and overall health. When there is enough rainfall, plants receive the
necessary moisture to thrive, leading to lush vegetation and productive crops.
Example: Lack of Exercise and Weight Gain Cause: Sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity Effect:
Weight gain and potential health issues Explanation: A sedentary lifestyle or insufficient physical activity
is a cause that can result in the effect of weight gain. When people do not engage in regular exercise,
they burn fewer calories, which can lead to an imbalance between calorie intake and expenditure. This
imbalance often leads to an increase in body weight and can contribute to obesity and associated health
problems.
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In each of these examples, there is a clear cause-and-effect relationship, where one factor directly
influences or triggers a specific outcome. Understanding such relationships is essential for making
informed decisions, predicting outcomes, and addressing various issues in science, health, and daily life.

5 Give two examples of indigenous observations related to the natural environment.

Bundjalung Aboriginal people from the coast of New South Wales crushed tea-tree (or paper bark)
leaves and applied the paste to wounds as well as brewing it to a kind of tea for throat ailments. In the
1920s, scientific experiments proved that the tea-tree oil’s antiseptic potency was far stronger than the
commonly used antiseptic of the time. Since then, the oil has been used to treat everything from fungal
infections of the toenails to acne.

The Billy Goat Plum/Kakadu plum is the world’s richest source of Vitamin C and is found in this native
fruit from the woodlands of the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The plum has 50 times the
Vitamin C of oranges, and was a major source of food for tribes in the areas where it grows

Inquiry question: What are the benefits and drawbacks of

qualitative and quantitative observations?

6 Assess the two main types of data, using specific examples.

The two main types of data are qualitative data and quantitative data. These types of data differ in terms
of their nature, characteristics, and how they are collected and analysed.
Quantitative data is numerical and represents measurable quantities or counts. It deals with objective,
quantifiable information that can be subjected to mathematical analysis and statistical interpretation.
Examples: a. Age: Age is a classic example of quantitative data. It's measured in years and can be
used for statistical calculations, such as finding the average age of a population.
b. Temperature: Temperature readings, like 25°C or 72°F, are quantitative data. They can be averaged,
plotted on graphs, and used for statistical analysis.
c. Sales Revenue: Sales revenue for a company is a numerical value that quantifies the total income
generated. It can be used for financial analysis and forecasting.
d. Number of Website Visitors: If you're tracking the number of visitors to a website, this count is
quantitative data. It can be used to analyze website traffic trends.
Characteristics:
Quantitative data is measurable and can be expressed in numerical terms.
It can be categorized as discrete (whole numbers) or continuous (fractions or decimals).
It allows for statistical analysis, including calculations of mean, median, mode, standard deviation, etc.
Qualitative data is non-numerical and deals with qualities or characteristics. It provides a descriptive
understanding of a phenomenon, often through words, categories, or labels.
Examples: a. Color: Colors like red, blue, or green are qualitative data. They don't have numerical
values but provide descriptive information.
b. Customer Feedback: When customers provide feedback in the form of comments or reviews, this
data is qualitative. It can be used to understand customer sentiment but is not quantifiable in the same
way as numbers.
c. Product Categories: Classifying products into categories like electronics, clothing, or books is
qualitative data. These categories are descriptive in nature.
d. Mood States: Describing a person's mood as happy, sad, or excited is qualitative data. It doesn't
involve numbers but conveys emotional states.
Characteristics:
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Qualitative data is descriptive and provides a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
It is often categorized into groups or classes.
Analysis of qualitative data involves techniques such as thematic analysis, content analysis, or coding.
In summary, quantitative data involves numerical values and is suited for statistical analysis and
mathematical operations, while qualitative data provides descriptive, non-numeric information and is
valuable for understanding subjective aspects of a phenomenon. The choice between these data types
depends on the research question, objectives, and the nature of the data being collected or analysed. In
many cases, a combination of both types may be used to provide a comprehensive view of a topic.

7 Define the terms; variable; independent variable; dependent variable; controlled variable;
hypothesis; validity; reliability; accuracy.
In a scientific investigation, a variable is defined as a factor that can be changed, maintained or
measure. For example, time, distance, light, temperature. The independent variable of an experiment is
a variable that is changed in an investigation too see what effect it has on the dependent variable. The
dependent variable is a variable that changes in response to the independent variable in an
investigation. The controlled variable is kept consistent (or changed in constant ways) during an
investigation. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for an observed phenomenon, expressed as a
precise and unambiguous statement that can be supported or refuted by investigation. Validity in an
experiment is the extent to which tests measure what was intended, and to which data, inferences and
actions produced from tests and other processes are accurate. Reliability is an extent to which repeated
observations and/or measurements taken under identical circumstances will yield similar results.
Accuracy is the degree to which the result of a measurement, calculation, or specification conforms to
the correct value or a standard.

8 Describe how observations of the universe are limited by the available technology.

Technology plays a crucial role in shaping our observations of the universe. Advancements in
technology can expand our observational capabilities, enabling us to discover new phenomena and
deepen our understanding of the cosmos. However, limitations in technology can also constrain the
scope and quality of our observations, highlighting the need for continued research and development in
the field of astrophysics and astronomy.

9 Explain the differences between analogue and digital technologies.

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Inquiry question: How does the collection and presentation of
primary data affect the outcome of a scientific investigation?

10 Explain what a primary investigation is.

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Inquiry question: How do conclusions drawn from the

interpretation of primary data promote further scientific
investigation?

11 Describe how you can use conclusions from investigations to develop new investigations.

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Inquiry question: What inferences can be drawn from

observations?

12 Use at least two examples to describe how indigenous peoples were able to obtain resources
from the environment.

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13 Briefly outline how you could undertake an investigation using one of the examples shown.

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Inquiry question: How is secondary-sourced data used in practical
investigations?
14 Explain what a secondary investigation is.

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Inquiry question: How does humans’ ability to recognise patterns

affect the way they interpret data?

15 Outline some examples of patterns found in nature.

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16 Explain what the concepts of pareidolia and optical illusions say about the way the human mind
works.

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17 Describe what outliers are in experimental data.

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Inquiry question: How can hypotheses and assumptions be
tested?

18 Give examples of hypotheses that have been tested in the past.

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19 Outline an investigation you could undertake to test an assumption.

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