- The method should be written so that a complete stranger will be able to carry out the
same procedure in the exact same way and get almost identical results. - The method should be written in the past tense using the passive voice.
- The method must be clear and precise instructions including
- the apparatus
- exact measurements or quantities of chemicals or substances
- Ensure that your method is written out in the correct sequence, with each step of the
experiment numbered. - State the criteria you will look for or measure to get results.
- Give clear instructions how the results should be recorded (table, graph etc.)
- Include safety precautions where possible.
- Results
- Record your observations from doing the investigation.
- It is important that you do not write out an explanation for the results.
- Present your results in a suitable format such as tables and graphs.
- It is also important to note that not getting the result you expected is still a result. Even
if there is no change at all, this is still a result that needs to be recorded.
- Analysis of results or Discussion
- The analysis of the results is stating in words what the results are often saying in ta-
bles/graphs. - Discuss if there are there any relationships between your independent and dependent
variables. - It is important to look for patterns/trends in your graphs or tables and describe these
clearly in words.
- Evaluation of results
- This is where you answer the question “What do the results mean?”
- You need to carefully consider the results :
- Were there any unusual results? If so then these should be discussed and possible
reasons for them can be given. - Discuss how you ensured thevalidityandreliabilityof the investigation.
∗ Vailidity: Was it a fair test and did it test what it set out to test?
∗ Reliability: If the experiment were to be repeated would the results obtained
be similar? - The best way to ensure reliability is to repeat the experiment several times and
obtain an average. - Discuss anyexperimental errorsthat may have occurred during the experiment.
These can include errors in the methods and apparatus used and what make
suggestions what could be done differently next time.
- Conclusion
The conclusion needs to link the results to the aim and hypothesis. In a short paragraph,
write down if what was observed is supported or rejected by the hypothesis by restating the
Chapter 1. Introduction to Life Sciences 11