scientific method Flashcards
fact
an objective, verifiable observation
example of a fact
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
principle
a statement based on repeated experimental observation that describes an aspect of the world.
example of a principle
Greenhouse Effect
law
broad concepts or principles
example of a law
newton’s laws of motion
theory
explanations of observed phenomena
example of a theory
theory of evolution
6 steps of scientific method
Ask a question Conduct background research Construct a hypothesis Test your hypothesis in an experiment Analyze Data Draw conclusions and communicate them
Observation
Description of something you can see, smell, touch, taste, hear
conduct background research
defining a purpose/objective
hypothesis
testable prediction based on observations
what is the format of a hypothesis
“If (IV) then (DV) “
independent variable
what the experimenter will deliberately change or manipulate in the investigation
dependent variable
what changes in response to the independent variable
Experimental Group
groups that are being tested
Control Group
group used for comparison with your experimental group
constants
the aspects of an experiment that are held constant/consistent
