Ch 2 Section 1 Flashcards
The scientific method is a
Logical approach to solving problems by observing and collecting data, formulating hypotheses, testing hypotheses, and formulating theories that are supported by data
Observing is the use of the
Senses to obtain information
Observation often involves
Making measurements and collecting data
Data may be
Qualitative or quantitative in nature
Qualitative
Descriptive
Quantitative
Numeric
Experimenting involves carrying out a
Procedure under controlled conditions to make observations and collect data
To learn more about matter chemists study
Systems
A system is a
Specific portion of matter in a given region of space that had been selected for study during an experiment or observation
When you observe a region in a test tube the
Test tube and its contents form a system
When analyzing data scientists attempt to find
Relationships and patterns
Generalizations are
Statements that apply to a range of information
To make generalizations
Data are organized in tables and analyzed using statistics/ mathematical techniques, often with the aid of graphs and a computer
Generalizations are used to
Develop hypotheses
A hypothesis is a
Testable statement that serves as a basis for making predictions and carrying out further experiments
“Then” part of hypothesis =
Prediction that is basis for testing
experimental conditions that remain constant are
Controls
Any condition that changes is a
Variable
Any change observed is typically because of the
Effects of the variable
If testing reveals that predictions are wrong
Hypothesis must be discarded or modified
Scientific method is not a
Single fixed process
Observing involves
Collecting data
Measuring
Experimenting
Communicating
Formulating hypotheses
Organizing and analyzing data Classifying Inferring Predicting Communicating
Testing
Predicting Experimentation Communicating Collecting data Measuring
Theorizing
Constructing models
Predicting
Communicating
Publish results
Communicating
When data supports hypothesis
Scientists try to explain the phenomena by constructing a model
Model
More than physical object
Explanation of how phenomena occur and how data or events are related
Models may be
Visual
Verbal
Mathematical
If a model successfully explains many phenomena it may
Become part of a theory
A theory is a
Broad generalization that explains a body of facts or phenomena
Theories are successful if they can
Predict the results of many new experiments
The process researchers use to carry out their investigations is called the
Scientific method
