The scientific method

[Postictal Raiden]

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Where can I find good, concise teaching material on this topic? From my experience with the MCAT, and especially in the experiment-based passages, one needs to have solid understanding of the different components of a hypothesis (negative control, positive control, etc...). I have been exposed to this topic numerously during my undergrad bio courses, but when confronted with an experiment heavy passage on the mcat, it seems hard to recall this knowledge in a timely manner.

I have TBR, TPR and EK material, and none has a dedicated chapter to this topic. What can I do?

 

[MedPR]

Where can I find good, concise teaching material on this topic? From my experience with the MCAT, and especially in the experiment-based passages, one needs to have solid understanding of the different components of a hypothesis (negative control, positive control, etc...). I have been exposed to this topic numerously during my undergrad bio courses, but when confronted with an experiment heavy passage on the mcat, it seems hard to recall this knowledge in a timely manner.

I have TBR, TPR and EK material, and none has a dedicated chapter to this topic. What can I do?

Accept the fact that if it's missing from TBR, TPR, and EK then it probably isn't relevant.

If that fails, then look in one of your old bio text books.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

Accept the fact that if it's missing from TBR, TPR, and EK then it probably isn't relevant.

If that fails, then look in one of your old bio text books.

As I stated, my concern stems from a real experience with the mcat. All these prep companies are lacking, including TBR which focuses on some unnecessary details and completely ignores others.

I was wondering if someone knows a good website, or even a book that explains this topic without getting into too much of statistics. Otherwise, I may end up going back to my lab manuals to get some refreshment.

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Hey there, the wikipedia entry seems to cover it pretty well. The only confusion I've ever seen people have with this is if people interchange hypothesis with theory, which the wikipedia entry touches on.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesis

One other thing that is important is that your testing is trying to disprove the hypothesis rather than prove it. I've seen many people assume the opposite, especially when $$ is involved 😛