M5.3 Flashcards
What is the independent variable in an investigation?
The variable that is deliberately changed or manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
What is the dependent variable in an investigation?
The variable that is measured to assess the effect of changes made to the independent variable.
What are controlled variables, and why are they important?
Controlled variables are kept constant to ensure that only the independent variable affects the dependent variable, ensuring reliable results.
Why is the selection of an appropriate sample size important in investigations?
A proper sample size ensures sufficient data to identify patterns and minimize errors while balancing time and resource constraints.
What factors should be considered when selecting materials for an investigation?
Materials should be relevant to the research question, affordable, available, safe, and familiar to the user to ensure effective experimentation.
Why is it important to assess the ethics of an investigation?
Ethical considerations ensure the protection of confidentiality, humane treatment of subjects, and adherence to animal welfare guidelines.
How can confidentiality be maintained in an investigation?
By anonymizing data, using secure data storage methods, and ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information.
What should be considered when predicting an achievable time frame for an investigation?
Factors include the complexity of the investigation, availability of resources, participant availability, and data analysis requirements.
When is it more appropriate to work individually on an investigation?
When tasks require focused, independent work or when the scope is manageable for a single researcher.
When is it more appropriate to work collaboratively on an investigation?
When tasks require diverse expertise, large-scale data collection, or when collaboration improves efficiency and idea generation.
