Science Inquiry Skills

Question 1

What is an independent variable?

Answer 1

is the variable being manipulated by the researcher

AKA the CAUSE of any changes

Question 2

What is a dependent variable?

Answer 2

is the variable being observed and measured (AKA

the EFFECT of any changes).

Question 3

What is the dependent and independent variable in this; An investigation was run to see if caffeine consumption was causing impaired or improved concentration 30 minutes after ingesting it.

Answer 3

dependent: the concentration.
independent: caffeine intake.

Question 4

What are the 3 research designs?

Answer 4

experimental, observational and qualitative

Question 5

What are the key features of an experimental design?

Answer 5

Control and experimental group. 
Independent Variable and Dependent Variable.  
Random allocation.  
Quantitative data.  
Pre and post testing. 
Fabricated environment.

Question 6

What are the key features of an observational design?

Answer 6

Per existing groups.
No manipulation of variables.
Natural environment.
Qualitative or quantitative data.

Question 7

What are the key features of a qualitative design?

Answer 7

Open ended questions.
Focus group run by- facilitator.
Content analysis.
Qualitative data.

Question 8

What are the four data types?

Answer 8

subjective, objective, quantitative and qualitative

Question 9

What is subjective data?

Answer 9

data that is self reported (opinions)

Question 10

What are the Ethical considerations in research?

Answer 10

Informed consent
Voluntary participation
Confidentiality/anonymity
Right to withdraw
Accurate reporting
Professional conduct

Question 11

What is objective data?

Answer 11

data that is observed of verifiable (a fact)

Question 12

What is quantitative data?

Answer 12

numerical data

Question 13

What is qualitative data?

Answer 13

descriptive data