question on Biology

Archive SAT Subject Test Preparation
1

<p>Hi, I have a question on Biology.</p>

<p>I read about scientific method on Barron’s Biology book, there are 7 steps for scientist:</p>

<ul>
<li>Have a problem</li>
<li>Read about journals and books about it, to find out what other scientists have discovered</li>
<li>Form a hypothesis</li>
<li>Perform experiment to test the hypothesis</li>
<li>Include a control</li>
<li>Consider accurate record, observations, exception, etc</li>
<li>State conclusion</li>
</ul>

<p>I’m an international student, and I don’t have much lab experience. Can you explain the “Include a control” for me ?</p>

2

<p>Thanks
Thanks
Thanks</p>

3

<p>A control is used to test other parts of the experiment to make sure they are functioning as planned, or that results aren’t being caused by something unintended. For example, if your experiment involves adding red dye to a solution, a “control” may be to omit this dye and see if you still get the color change (clearly you wouldn’t see the solution change color here, but this is the idea…)</p>

<p>Hope this helps!</p>

4

<p>I see. Thank you very much.</p>