Scientific Method

Question 1

What is a purpose of an experiment?

Answer 1

The purpose or aim of an experiment is the objective or what you would like to find out. 
It is usually started with:
- to investigate 
- to determine
- OR to compare.

Question 2

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 2

A hypothesis is an educated guess on what the result of the experiment will be.

Question 3

How do you write a method?

Answer 3

Steps of a method should always start with a verb, such as ‘measure’ or ‘pour’, to indicate what will be done in each process. It should then mention participants in the procedure or what is is involves in the process ie. thermometer, beaker, ruler etc. Steps can also include circumstances e.g. ‘In the data table’, ‘in each beaker’ etc.

Question 4

What is a conclusion?

Answer 4

A conclusion is the paragraph at the end of a report which summarises the experiment.

Question 5

What are the steps to writing a good conclusion?

Answer 5

1. Record the major findings in the experiment.
2. Reflect on whether the hypothesis was supported or refuted.
3. State whether the experimental design was flawed in any way.

Question 6

What is an independent variable?

Answer 6

The independent variable is the factor in an experiment which is changed.

Question 7

What is a dependent variable?

Answer 7

The dependent variable in an experiment is the factor which is measured.

Question 8

What are controlled variables?

Answer 8

Controlled variables are factors in an experiment which must stay constant all the time.

Question 9

What is the control group of an experiment?

Answer 9

The controls group serves as a comparison for an experiment. It is not exposed to the independent variable.