Scientific Investigation Flashcards
Nature of science.
Definition: The nature of science refers to the characteristics, processes, and methods through which scientific knowledge is obtained and validated, including experimentation, observation, and reasoning.
Example: Science is dynamic, with theories evolving based on new evidence and experiments.
How to Identify: Look for discussions about how science works, including empirical evidence, testing theories, and the ongoing nature of scientific inquiry.
Research question.
Definition: A research question is a clear, focused, and testable inquiry that guides a scientific investigation.
Example: How does the amount of sunlight affect the growth rate of plants?
How to Identify: The research question is the central problem that a study seeks to answer and is usually specific, measurable, and relevant to the topic of study.
Hypothesis.
Definition: A hypothesis is a testable statement or prediction that can be investigated through experimentation or observation.
Example: If plants receive more sunlight, then they will grow faster than plants with less sunlight.
How to Identify: The hypothesis is a proposed explanation or prediction that addresses the research question and can be tested with experiments or data collection.
Variables.
Definition: Variables are factors that can change in an experiment. They are classified into independent, dependent, and controlled variables.
Example:
Independent variable: Amount of sunlight
Dependent variable: Growth rate of plants
Controlled variables: Soil type, water, temperature
How to Identify: Variables are identified by their role in the experiment. The independent variable is what is changed, the dependent variable is what is measured, and controlled variables are kept constant.
Designing a valid scientific investigation.
Definition: Designing a valid scientific investigation involves planning the methods and procedures to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Example: An experiment should have a clear research question, a testable hypothesis, controlled variables, and appropriate methods for data collection and analysis.
How to Identify: A valid investigation includes thoughtful design choices, such as how to control variables, the materials used, and the steps taken to minimize error or bias.
Collecting and recording data.
Definition: Collecting and recording data involves gathering information through observations, measurements, or experiments, and documenting it systematically.
Example: Using a ruler to measure plant growth every day and recording the results in a table.
How to Identify: Data is recorded in organized formats like tables, charts, or graphs and must be accurate, clear, and precise.
Interpreting data.
Definition: Interpreting data involves analyzing the collected data to identify trends, patterns, or relationships, and making sense of the results.
Example: The plants that received more sunlight grew an average of 2 cm per day, while those with less sunlight only grew 1 cm per day.
How to Identify: Look for analysis of data that explains what the numbers or observations mean in relation to the hypothesis or research question.
Drawing a
conclusion.
Definition: Drawing a conclusion is the process of making sense of the results and determining whether the hypothesis was supported or not.
Example: The hypothesis that more sunlight leads to faster plant growth was supported, as plants with more sunlight grew significantly faster.
How to Identify: The conclusion summarizes the findings and addresses the research question, determining if the hypothesis was correct or not.
Evaluating the investigation design.
Definition: Evaluating the investigation design involves reviewing the experimental methods and results to assess reliability, validity, and areas for improvement.
Example: The experiment could be improved by using a larger sample size to ensure the results are more reliable.
How to Identify: Evaluation includes considering possible sources of error, bias, and suggesting improvements to the experimental design for future investigations.
