Scientific Method: Definitions Flashcards
Steps of scientific method (6)
Question
Hypothesis
Equipment
Method
Results
Conclusion
Hypothesis
An educated guess used to explain something based on prior knowledge
Variable
A measurement or observation that changes during the investigation
Independent Variabe
A factor that can be changed by the person running the experiment
Dependent Variable
A factor that changes as a response to a change to the independent variable
Method
A list of clear instructions anyone could follow
Qualitative data
A record of something involving words and descriptions
Quantitative
A record of something involving numbers and measurements
Line of best fit
Straight line showing general trend of the data
Anomaly (outlier)
A point that stands out as different from the general trend
Results
Outcomes you observe or measure during the investigation
Conclusion
A summary of you results ad an explanation for whether or not it supports your hypothesis. Also explores what you could do differently next time.
Correlation
When a relationship can be seen between two variables
Control
An experiment where nothing is changed to the independent variable to measure what happens to the dependent variable
