scientific method definitions

Question 1

An observation that differs from expectation or from accepted scientific views. They may lead scientists to revise a hypothesis or theory.

Answer 1

Anomaly

Question 2

Your determination of whether the hypothesis should be accepted or rejected. It is one of the steps of the scientific method.

Answer 2

Conclusion

Question 3

The set of test subjects randomly assigned to not receive the experimental treatment. In other words, the independent variable is held constant for this group

Answer 3

Control Group

Question 4

Any variable that does not change during an experiment.

Answer 4

Control Variable

Question 5

A relationship between two variables that can be used to predict the behavior or value of one variable if the other is known.

Answer 5

Correlation

Question 6

Any facts, numbers, or values obtained in an experiment.

Answer 6

Data

Question 7

This is a T-shaped diagram used to display data from a science experiment. It includes the values of the independent and dependent variables.

Answer 7

Data Table

Question 8

The variable that responds to the independent variable. It is the one that is measured in the experiment. It is graphed on the y axis.

Answer 8

Dependent Variable

Question 9

Neither the researcher nor the subject knows whether the subject is receiving the treatment or a placebo. This helps reduce biased results.

Answer 9

Double-blind

Question 10

A measure of the difference between a measured or calculated value and a true value.

Answer 10

Error

Question 11

The set of test subjects randomly assigned to receive the experimental treatment.

Answer 11

Experimental Group

Question 12

Extra variables (i.e., not the independent, dependent, or control variables) that may influence an experiment, but are not accounted for or measured or are beyond control.

Answer 12

Extraneous Variable

Question 13

A statement based on evidence obtained from direct observation.

Answer 13

Fact

Question 14

A picture that displays information. Examples include line, bar, and pie. The most common type displays values of the independent and dependent variables.

Answer 14

Graph

Question 15

A prediction of whether the independent variable will have an effect on the dependent variable or a prediction of the nature of the effect.

Answer 15

Hypothesis

Question 16

The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher. There is only one in an experiment. It is graphed on the x axis.

Answer 16

Independent Variable

Question 17

A generalization that describes what one expects to happen in a certain situation. They can be used to predict behavior, but do not explain it. For example, the law of gravity makes it possible to predict an object will fall if it is dropped.

Answer 17

Scientific Law

Question 18

Contains all records of a scientist’s observations about an experiment. Entries are typically recorded in permanent ink.

Answer 18

Log Book

Question 19

The average calculated by adding up all the scores and then dividing by the number of scores.

Answer 19

Mean

Question 20

Information collected using one of the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell).

Answer 20

Observation

Question 21

A “fake” treatment used so subjects don’t know they are not receiving the actual treatment. Example: In drug trials, test patients may be given a pill which resembles the drug but doesn’t contain the active ingredient.

Answer 21

Placebo

Question 22

A beneficial effect due to a subject’s belief in the power of the treatment. No active ingredient or other property is responsible for the positive effect.

Answer 22

Placebo Effect

Question 23

The entire group the researcher is studying. If the researcher cannot gather data from the group, studying large random samples taken from the group may be used to estimate how the entire group would respond.

Answer 23

Population

Question 24

The explanation or interpretation of experimental data. This includes calculations made from the data.

Answer 24

Results

Question 25

A basic experiment designed to assess whether there is a cause and effect relationship or test a prediction. It may have only one test subject, compared with a controlled experiment, which has at least two groups.

Answer 25

Simple Experiment

Question 26

A systematic explanation for phenomena, based on testing many hypotheses. Because they are evidence-based, they are typically accepted by scientists, but they may be modified or discarded if new evidence is presented.

Answer 26

Theory