Planning & Designing

In the paper 5, one major segment includes planning an investigation to see the effect of a particular
independent variable on a specific dependent variable.

Usually an apparatus is given in the figure to be used for the specific planning, but some planning may be
asked without any figure presentation, in which it is ideal for the candidate to make a rough figure
presentation on his own.

General Rules for Planning an Investigation

Although there are varieties of investigations, that can be used in the planning questions based on A’ level
syllabus or may be out of the syllabus. However, there are some general rules that can applied in all the
different types of planning thus giving an easier sequence of action.

• USING THE RIGHT APPARATUS

If the apparatus is provided in the figure form, then you are restricted to use the given
apparatus, despite of the fact that it may not be an ideal apparatus for the given
investigation.

• INDEPENDENT & DEPENDENT VARIABLES

A Hypothesis is usually given before the start of the planning question.

Using the Hypothesis you should be able to identify the Independent variable, and design ideal
ways of changing it with as much accuracy as possible. At least 5 values should be taken, at
regular interval.
For e.g. for changing the light intensity, you can place light source (lamp) at different
distances, measured using ruler scale.

Using the same Hypothesis, Identify the Dependent variable as well, and design ways to
measure it with much accuracy.
For e.g. for measuring the rate of Photosynthesis using aquatic plant, you can either
count the no. of bubbles produced per unit time, or the volume of gas released
per unit time by the plant.
(Although measuring the volume of gas released is more accurate, but you
should be restricted to the apparatus provided.)

• CONTROLLING THE OTHER VARIABLES

In every different investigation, there are varieties of other factors as well that effect the
reaction. You should be able to identify these variables and design ways to keep them at
constant so that only the specific independent variable may show its effect.
Such as;
▪ Temperature – It can be kept constant by placing the apparatus in a water bath or
thermostatically controlled room at fixed temperature.

▪ pH – It can be maintained by using a suitable buffer solution.

▪ Amount of substances – It can be maintained by taking a fixed volume of different

solutions, or same masses if solid objects are used.

From The Desk of DR. HASNAIN A2 Biology notes Page 1 of 2

 • PROCEDURAL STEPS

Although in different investigations, there are different specific procedural steps to be

followed, however, there are certain steps that can be followed in most of the planning, thus
increasing the chances of writing a better and detailed procedure. These include;

o Allowing time for adjustment to the organism (4 – 5 min.) after changing the value of
independent variable, so that the organism is adjusted to the environment.

o Resetting the initial point to zero (Calibration to zero value) after every repetition.

o At every interval of independent variable, the experiment should be repeated at least thrice
to get the mean value to increase the reliability of the result.

• SETTING UP A CONTROL EXPERIMENT

Describe, if appropriate, any control experiments to make sure that it is the independent
variable that is affecting the dependent variable and not some other factor

Control experiments can be of two types:

– where all factors are kept identical to the experimental set up except that the value of the
independent variable is zero, for example when water is used instead of a test solution

– where the control is to confirm that, for example, it is an organism that is causing a
particular effect, by leaving out or replacing the organism with non-living material,
e.g. sterile glass beads instead of an insect in a respirometer

• RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFETY PRECAUTION

Identify the risk or potential hazard associated with the apparatus in use, and even mention
the specific safety precaution to be used.
For e.g. Wearing Gloves while using any irritant substance such as KOH etc. to
avoid direct contact.
Wearing mask while experimenting on pollen grains, as they are allergic
to respiratory tract.

• SEQUENCING THE STEPS

When you are describing your planned experiment, make sure that you describe it in a logical
sequence in such a way that the other person is able to perform the experiment practically
using your steps.
Therefore the best way of writing a perfect planning is to jot your points roughly first.

From The Desk of DR. HASNAIN A2 Biology notes Page 2 of 2