Scientific Method Flashcards
scientific method
a method of procedure for objectively establishing facts through testing and experimentaion
steps 1-5 of the scientific method
- observation/asking a question
- research
- creating a hypothesis or testable explanation
- designing a controlled experiment
- analyzing data
general hypothesis
a very basic statement that relates two things (there is a correlation between something and something)
directional hypothesis
a hypothesis that is built on a directional relationship between the two variables (students who take more honor classes are less likely to drop out of college)
measurable hypothesis
a hypothesis that states the direction of the relationship, typically using numbers to more accurately describe the correlation (85% of students who have dropped out of college have not taken an honors class)
control group
a comparison group given no “treatment”
experimental group
the group in a research study that is given whatever is being tested
independent variable
the manipulated variable in an experiment (what is being tested)
dependent variable
the responding variable. changes due to the varying of said independent variable
which variable controls which?
independent controls dependent
on a graph, which variable is which axis?
x = independent, y = dependent
what should line graphs should be used for?
observing trends/correlation (cause/effect)
when should bar graphs be used?
making a comparison
what are the 7 characteristics of life?
- all living things reproduce
- have DNA
- be made of cells
- homeostasis (stable, internal environment)
- growth and development
- adapting to their environment
- metabolizing energy
giga (Gm)
10^9
