Materials and methods

Definition

Materials and Methods describe the specific tools, substances, and procedures used in an experiment. They ensure reproducibility and allow other scientists to replicate the study.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Materials include all physical items like chemicals, lab equipment, and biological specimens.
2. Methods detail the step-by-step procedures followed during the experiment.
3. Clear documentation of materials and methods is essential for scientific transparency.
4. This section helps validate the study's results by allowing others to reproduce it.
5. Often written in past tense as they describe completed actions.

Review Questions

• What are the primary components included in the Materials and Methods section?
• Why is it crucial to document materials and methods clearly in a scientific study?
• How does this section contribute to the reproducibility of an experiment?

Related terms

Procedure: Detailed series of actions conducted in a certain order to accomplish a task in an experiment

Reproducibility: The ability of a study or experiment to be replicated by other researchers using the same methods

Variables: Factors that can change or be controlled in an experiment, impacting its outcome