Scientific Investigation Skills Flashcards
Observation
Basic watching of something and taking note of behavior, activity, etc.
What are the steps of the scientific method?
Observe->question->hypothesis->experiment->conclusion
Experimentation
Series of organized actions and observation carried out in a systematic way to prove or falsify a hypothesis
Inference
The process of drawing a confusion based in what one already knows from data or experience.
Prediction
Quantitative statement about what will happen in the future under certain conditions
Law
A scientific generalization based on a huge amount of empirical data and has never shown to be falsified
Calorimeter
A tool for measuring heat given off by a chemical reaction or change of state
Colorimeter
Instrument used to determine or specify colors
In a good experiment, how many variables should be changed at a time?
Only one. Unless it is dealing with lots if variables at once in which case the experiment should be completed many times and a statistical analysis must be run to determine if the results are real.
Double-blind experiment
Usually medical experiment where both the test subjects and administers are unaware of which pill is given, placebo or drug
Where should solvents be stored in a classroom?
In a fire resistant cabinet. A metal cabinet works well.
What is the independent variable in an experiment?
The variable being manipulated by prescience or degree that determines change in dependent variable which is what is being measured.
Regulating fat in a diet to see the change in a person’s weight. Regulate fat is independent variable(x); person’s weight is dependent variable(y).
What does precision refer to in experiments?
How close multiple measurements are to each other. How repeatable an experiment is. Different from accuracy as tools doing the measuring may not be accurately calibrated resulting in precise measurements that are incorrect.
In contrast to more traditional compound microscopes, stereo microscopes have…
…two eyepieces that result in a 3d image that has greater depth of field.
What is a NULL hypothesis?
A hypothesis that predicts that the independent variable m, which is being manipulated in the experiment, will not have an effect on the dependent variable.
