Sci Method Flashcards
What is the order of the scientific method?
- Ask a question/identify the problem
- Research
- Form a hypothesis
- Design experiment and test hypothesis
- Analyze results
- Make a conclusion
- Share results
What are observations?
- data that are descriptions of qualities such as shape, color, taste, feel, etc…
- acquired by using your senses
What are the two types of observations?
- Objective observation
- Subjective observation
What is an objective observation?
an observation based on fact
What is a subjective observation?
an observation based on opinion
What is an inference?
An explanation that tries to make sense of your observations influenced by your experiences/prior knowledge.
These explanations may not be true.
What is a hypothesis?
- a working explanation or trial answer to a problem
- a “testable prediction,” not an “educated guess.”
What is Data?
factual information
What are the two types of Data?
- Quantitative
2. Qualitative
Quantitative vs Qualitative
Quantitative data consists of numbers. Qualitative data consists of verbal descriptions or information gathered using scales without numbers
Why are repeated trials necessary?
- to provide more accurate results; data is averaged together
- lessens the impact of a chance error on the experimental results
What are variables?
- things that can be assigned or take on different values in an experiment
- any factor that can change
Describe the two types of variables
Independent variables are the factor that changes in an experiment. Dependent variables are what change as a result of the independent variable. In other words, the dependent variable is what is measured and recorded.
What is a control/control group?
- a group of subjects in an experiment that are not manipulated
- allows you to see what changing a variable does by comparing it to not changing anything.
What are constants?
Factors in an experiment (both in the experimental and control groups) that are kept the same
