scientific method Flashcards
What is an observation?
Receiving knowledge of the world through our senses
Should be factual, accurate, and detailed
Information gained is called evidence or data
What is a qualitative observation?
An observation made about the quality of an object/item
For example…red apple, round apple, green pear, smooth skin
What is a quantitative observation?
An observation that uses a number such as counting or measuring
For example…3 dogs, 1.5 cm long, 24 students, 14 grams
What is an inference?
An idea or conclusion based on evidence and reasoning
Possible explanation for an observation
Should be logical
May or may not be true
What is an independent variable (IV)?
The variable that the experimenter (scientist) changes on purpose (“I change it”) or it changes naturally
What is a dependent variable (DV)?
The variable that responds/reacts to the IV
What is a hypothesis?
An educated explanation about the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable
How is a hypothesis written?
In an “IF.., THEN…” statement
Where does the IV go in the hypothesis?
in the IF part
Where does the DV go in the hypothesis?
in the THEN part
What is a constant?
Factors in an experiment that stay/kept the same
Why do scientists use graphs and charts?
Visual representation of results
Organizes the data
Allows readers to understand data more easily
How do you set up your graph?
(What do you put on your graph where?)
see the answer on the slideshows.
