Conclusion and Comparison
Conclusion and Comparison
Navigate the knowledge tree: 🌿 Biology ➡ NCEA Level 2 Biology ➡ 2.1 Investigation ➡ Lesson 9-10: Conclusion and Comparison
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Navigate the knowledge tree: 🌿 Biology ➡ NCEA Level 2 Biology ➡ 2.1 Investigation ➡ Lesson 9-10: Conclusion and Comparison
Learning Intentions
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:Learning Intentions
Write a conclusion that answers my aim using my data.Â
Compare my results with others' results, scientific ideas and expected patterns.
Glossary
Key terms and definitions.Glossary
aim: A clear statement of what the investigation is trying to find out.
compare: To explain how two sets of results are similar and/or different.
conclusion: A paragraph that answers the aim using evidence from your data. It explains what the results show, not why (unless linking briefly to the hypothesis).
correlation: The relationship between two variables.
evidence: Specific data values used to support a scientific statement.
expected pattern: The result predicted based on scientific knowledge.
hypothesis: A testable prediction that explains what you think will happen and why.
scientific idea / theory: An accepted explanation supported by evidence.
support: When results match what was predicted.
How to write a conclusion
How to write a conclusion
Step 1: Restate the aim
Step 1: Restate the aim
If the aim was:
To investigate the effect of sugar concentration on the percentage change in mass of kÅ«mara pieces.Â
In your conclusion, you must re-state the aim. For example:
This investigation tested how sugar concentration affects the percentage change in mass of kÅ«mara pieces.Â
Step 2: Describe the overall trendÂ
Step 2: Describe the overall trendÂ
Use phrases like:Â
"The results showed that..."
"As the independent variable increased..."
"There was a negative correlation between... and..."
For example:
The results show that as sugar concentration increased, the mean percentage change in mass decreased.
Step 3: Use specific evidence from your results
Step 3: Use specific evidence from your results
A strong conclusion includes specific evidence from your results. Using relevant and specific data points with units show that you processed your data, understand the trends (or lack thereof) and have come to a conclusion based on evidence.Â
So instead of just writing (weak):
The mass decreased.
Provide evidence (strong):
As sugar concentration increased from 0.0 M to 0.8 M,
the mean percentage change in mass decreased from +12% to -11% respectively.
Step 4: Link back to the hypothesis
Step 4: Link back to the hypothesis
Finally, the conclusion must address whether or not the results support the hypothesis. For example, if the hypothesis was:
I think that if sugar concentration increases, then the mean percentage change in mass will decrease because water will move out of the kÅ«mara pieces by osmosis.Â
... and your results support this hypothesis, then you could say something like:
These results support the hypothesis because higher sugar concentrations caused greater mass loss via osmosis.
... but your results don't support this hypothesis, then you could say something like:
These results do not support the hypothesis because higher sugar concentrations did not consistently cause greater mass loss via osmosis.
How to compare my results with others' results
How to compare my results with others' results
The comparison section of your report is more than just a description of your results and another group's results. It includes a description of similarities and differences between two sets of data, as well providing specific evidence and a brief scientific explanation of these similarities and differences.Â
The comparison section answers the following questions:
What did the other results discover?
Do my results match the class results / others' data?
Do my results match the scientific theory we learned?
Do my results follow the expected biological pattern?
More on Conclusion and Comparison
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Glossary
Key terms and definitions.Glossary
aim: A clear statement of what the investigation is trying to find out.
compare: To explain how two sets of results are similar and/or different.
conclusion: A paragraph that answers the aim using evidence from your data. It explains what the results show, not why (unless linking briefly to the hypothesis).
correlation: The relationship between two variables.
evidence: Specific data values used to support a scientific statement.
expected pattern: The result predicted based on scientific knowledge.
hypothesis: A testable prediction that explains what you think will happen and why.
scientific idea / theory: An accepted explanation supported by evidence.
support: When results match what was predicted.
Practice Tasks for Different Thinking Skills
Practice Tasks for Different Thinking Skills
Need help? Consider getting Private Tutoring or Personalised Feedback for your work from Lemonade-Ed's Mrs. Heald.Â
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