Scientific Method Flashcards
A method of experimentation that is used by scientists and others to learn about the universe. It investigates solutions by making observations and drawing conclusions.
Scientific Method
The study of the structure & behavior of the natural world through experiments.
Science
The application of science to improve the world.
Technology
A gap in one’s knowledge that has yet to be answered. It is investigated through experimentation.
Problem
Collections of qualitative and quantitative data during experimentation.
Observations
A possible explanation or solution to a problem.
Hypothesis
The act of executing a procedure to test an hypothesis.
Experimentation
A procedure that is carried out to test the truth value of a hypothesis.
Experiment
The group in an experiment which the experimental group is compared to.
Control Group
The group in an experiment which is being tested.
Experimental Group
The variable in an experiment which is being tested.
Independent Variable
The variable in an experiment which is measured in terms of the independent variable’s effects.
Dependent Variable
Facts and statistics collected for analysis.
Data
Observations that are purely descriptive.
Qualitative Observations
Observations that include a quantitative & numerical value.
Quantitative Observations
A judgement that is made after the analysis of data. It will either accept or reject a hypothesis.
Conclusion
Step One
Make observations about the universe
Step Two
From the observations made, questions or problems are generated.
Step Three
The problem is researched to find a possible solution or answer.
Step Four
A hypothesis is formed.
Step Five
To see if the hypothesis is correct, an experiment is designed and performed.
Step Six
The data from the experiment is analyzed and a conclusion is made. The conclusion will either reject or accept the hypothesis; the hypothesis may have to be modified.
Step Seven
The experiment is repeated and if the results are consistent, the findings are published and communicated to others.
Step Eight
If it is proven to be correct by others, again and again, it eventually becomes a theory.
