Planning is an essential part of experimental biology
Preliminary research can be very helpful when trying to design an experiment to investigate a particular theory or hypothesis
Preliminary means "to come before"
Researching other similar studies or experiments can help you with:
Choosing the appropriate apparatus
Using the correct techniques
Identifying variables
Controlling other variables
Recording and collecting data accurately
Processing and presenting data in a useful way
The choice of apparatus and techniques should be based on the science surrounding the issue being investigated
For example, when testing the effect of different pH levels on enzyme activity is crucial that you know:
How to quantify/measure enzyme activity accurately
What other conditions (variables) will affect the function of an enzyme
For example, if the temperature becomes too high all the enzymes will denature and the enzyme activity will be 0 (no matter what the pH level is)
Once the preliminary research has been completed then preliminary studies can be conducted to further aid the experimental design
These studies are very important for:
Identifying additional variables that affect the experiment
Finding the best way to control these variables
Deciding on the quantities and volumes of substances that are needed so that you do not run out of reactants/reagents
Any experiment conducted without preliminary research or studies is likely to be invalid as the other variables that affect the results in the experiment will not have been identified and controlled