1.1.1 Planning

• What is the purpose of planning an experiment in the OCR A-Level Biology written exam?

  Design a scientific investigation
• Steps in designing a procedure for an experiment

  1️⃣ Create step-by-step instructions

  2️⃣ Use appropriate techniques

  3️⃣ Ensure accurate measurements
• Match the planning skill with its description:

  Formulate Hypothesis ↔️ State a clear and testable prediction

  Design Procedure ↔️ Create a detailed set of steps

  Control Variables ↔️ Maintain variables that must remain constant

  Risk Assessment ↔️ Identify potential hazards
• To measure the rate of photosynthesis in pondweed, you can count the number of oxygen bubbles
• What must a hypothesis be based on when planning a biology experiment?

  Existing scientific knowledge
• A well-designed procedure includes step-by-step methods for data collection and measurement
• When planning an experiment, the examiners are assessing your ability to methodically design a scientific investigation
• Creating a detailed set of steps to conduct an experiment is referred to as designing a procedure
• Steps in conducting a risk assessment during experimental planning

  1️⃣ Identify potential hazards

  2️⃣ Assess likelihood and severity

  3️⃣ Outline mitigation measures
• A clear, testable prediction based on scientific knowledge is called a hypothesis
• Match the type of variable with its description:

  Independent variable ↔️ The variable manipulated by the researcher

  Dependent variable ↔️ The variable measured in response to manipulation

  Control variable ↔️ The variable kept constant throughout the experiment
• What is the purpose of ensuring a hypothesis is testable?

  To objectively verify it
• Replicable steps are essential in designing an experimental method.


  True
• Using precise equipment and proper measurement techniques minimizes errors
• Match the equipment with its preparation or use:

  Beakers ↔️ Used for preparing solutions

  Pipettes ↔️ Calibrated to measure volumes accurately

  Thermometer ↔️ Measures temperature

  Stopwatch ↔️ Records reaction time
• An accurate and complete materials list is essential for conducting an experiment successfully.


  True
• Pipettes must be calibrated before use.


  True
• What is the source of amylase solution in this experiment?

  Saliva or commercial source
• When asked to plan an experiment in the OCR A-Level Biology exam, examiners are assessing your ability to design a scientific investigation.
• The design of a procedure for an experiment requires step-by-step instructions.


  True
• What is the primary goal of defining an objective in experimental planning?

  Clearly define the goal
• Steps in planning an effective biology experiment

  1️⃣ Gather information from reliable sources

  2️⃣ Formulate a clear, testable hypothesis

  3️⃣ Provide scientific rationale for the hypothesis
• When formulating a hypothesis, it must be a clear and testable prediction
• Control variables are variables that must be changed during an experiment

  False
• What is a suitable hypothesis for investigating the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis in pondweed?

  Increasing light intensity increases photosynthesis
• Identifying potential hazards and describing safety measures is part of a risk assessment


  True
• Ensuring safety and validity are key goals when planning a biology experiment


  True
• What is the purpose of formulating a hypothesis in experimental planning?

  To predict expected results
• Control variables must be kept constant to ensure the validity of the experiment.

  True
• What is the first requirement when planning a biology experiment?

  Define the objective
• Dependent variables must be kept constant during an experiment.

  False
• Steps to plan an effective biology experiment

  1️⃣ Gather information about the topic

  2️⃣ Formulate a testable hypothesis

  3️⃣ Ensure the hypothesis is based on scientific rationale
• A hypothesis based on logical connections from background research is considered scientifically rational
• What type of technique is used to measure the concentration of a substance accurately?

  Spectrophotometry
• Incubation at a water bath ensures a constant temperature for biological reactions.


  True
• Steps to prepare a 1% starch solution

  1️⃣ Dissolve 1 g starch in 100 mL distilled water

  2️⃣ Heat to dissolve completely

  3️⃣ Cool before use
• What quantity of 250 mL beakers is required for the experiment?

  2
• To prepare 20 mL of 1% starch solution, you need to dissolve 1 g of starch in 100 mL of distilled water.
• Lugol's iodine is used to detect the presence of starch.

  True
• What is the key element of formulating a hypothesis?

  Clear prediction of results