AN EXAMPLE OF A RESEARCH INVESTIGATION - SOAP

1. Some observations or reading or events. Something that wants to be investigated

During this Coronavirus pandemic, we are being advised to frequently use soap to wash our
hands and skin.

2. Some questions to investigate

Are all soaps of equal value against viruses?
What is the active ingredient that kills viruses?
How does soap kill viruses?

3. Background research
 I discover that soaps contain chemicals called amphiphiles which are harmful to viruses.
 I also discover that viruses are made of chemicals called proteins, lipids and RNA and that
viruses have spikes which hold them to your skin.
 I found out that amphiphiles not only loosen the “glue” between the virus and the skin but also
the Velcro-like interactions that hold the proteins, lipids and RNA in the virus together.

4. A hypothesis
That unless a soap contains amphiphiles, it will not be able to destroy viruses.

5. A research investigation to test the hypothesis

These are some lines of research which could be followed:
 What is soap?
 Do all soaps contain amphiphiles? How would I find out? What are the chemicals in soaps
which are amphiphiles?
 Exactly how do amphiphiles work to kill viruses?

6. Results of investigation
 A description of soaps and their active ingredients and how they work.
 Explanation of the chemistry of amphiphiles and what chemicals are called amphiphiles.
 An explanation of the structure of viruses and how amphiphiles kill them.

7. Analysis of results
Are amphiphiles in soaps the critical chemical which kill viruses?
Do all soaps contain amphiphiles? If so, what are the names of these chemicals?
Diagrams and drawings to show how amphiphiles work to kill viruses or removes them from the
skin.

8. Conclusion
The hypothesis is supported or rejected, according to the analysis of the results

9. Evaluation of process – incl. errors and recommendations

Sources of error are identified and solutions to correct the errors are proposed
Recommendations are made for further investigation or study

10. Communication
The investigation and its results and conclusion are communicated by means of a
scientific poster, supported by a short video and an internet web page.