Science Inquiry

Question 1

Qualitative data

Answer 1

expressed subjectively using words

Question 2

Quantitative data

Answer 2

expressed in numbers

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

Is an idea that can be tested and is written as a ‘If/then’ statement

Question 4

Independent Variable

Answer 4

Forms the basis of the experiment and it is the factor that you change on purpose. It should cause another variable to change in the experiment. Is on the x axis on a graph.

Question 5

Dependent Variable

Answer 5

Shows us if the independent variable is causing a change in the experiment. Is on the y axis on a graph.

Question 6

Controlled Variable

Answer 6

Factors that could affect the outcome of the experiment. These must be kept constant during the experiment.

Question 7

Uncontrolled variables

Answer 7

Arise when experimental design does not consider a particular variable. Uncontrolled variables can reduce the validity of experiments and every care should be taken to control then. The most effective way of controlling variables is to treat all groups exactly the same except for the one variable being tested.

Question 8

Accuracy

Answer 8

Hitting the middle of the target on what is being tested/asked

Question 9

Reliability

Answer 9

• Hits the target in the same area, but not all of the target
• Replicated/Repeated Trials
• Controlled variables
• Increased sample size

Question 10

Validity

Answer 10

• Hit all of the target, but all over the place
• Tests what is intends to
• Controlled variables

Question 11

Control Group

Answer 11

• Comparison – compare.
• Base-line data
• Show change

Question 12

Placebo

Answer 12

• No active ingredient
• Remove psychological bias/influence
• Used on the control group