Chapter 3.1 Scientific Inquiry Flashcards
What is SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY?
SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY is the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world, and propose explanations based on the evidence they gather.
How does SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY usually begin?
SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY usually begins with a problem or a question.
What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a possible explanation for a set of observations, or a scientific question.
Why must a hypothesis be testable?
A hypothesis must be testable because if it is not, the hypothesis can not be proven.
What are variables?
Variables are factors that can change in an experiment.
What are controlled experiments?
A controlled experiment is an experiment in which only one variable is manipulated at a time.
What is a manipulated variable?
A manipulated variable is the one variable purposefully changed in an experiment.
What is the responding variable?
The responding variable is the factor that may change in response to the manipulated variable.
What is an operational definition?
An operational definition is a statement that describes how to measure a variable or define a term.
What is data?
Data is evidence gathered through observations.
What do you do after data is collected?
After data has been collected you need to interpret it.
What is communication?
Communicating is the sharing of ideas and experimental findings with others through writing and speaking.
Why do we communicate?
Scientists communicate their results so their work will be known.
What happens when a set of experiments is done, and results are communicated?
Often, a scientific inquiry raises new questions, that lead to new hypothesis and experiments.
What is the order in which you follow?
Pose Questions Form a Hypothesis Design an experiment Collect and Interpret Data Draw Conclusions Communicate
