scientific method quiz Flashcards
what is an observation
something you detect with your senses
a scientific observation is based on what
on facts
An inference is based on what
Scientific observations and opinions or assumptions
What is the scientific method
A systematic procedure for how to conduct a scientific experiment
Which of the following is NOT a testable question?
a. How do rockets work?
b. Does fertilizer help plants grow bigger?
c. Does heart rate increase with exercise?
d. Does the freezing point of water change at different elevations?
how do rockets work
What is a hypothesis?
An educated prediction or answer to a testable question
What is a controlled experiment?
An experiment where one variable is changed
A good experiment will have:
Multiple experimental group and one control
Which variable do you measure in an experiment?
The dependent variable
Which statement below does NOT describe a good experimental method?
a. An experimental method is written in a step-by-step fashion
b. The specific amount of substances or materials used are stated
c. method is written vaguely so someone else could easily alter the experiment
d. The tools need and specific measurements that need to be taken are stated
The method is written vaguely so someone else could easily alter the experiment
What is the best way to collect and record data?
In a data table
What type of relationship is shown in the graph?
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An indirect relationship
what are qualitative observations
are things you notice or
observe using your
senses. These are things
you see, smell, hear,
touch or taste.
what are Qualitative observations
describe the color,
texture, appearance,
odor and other physical
characteristics of
something.
scientific method steps in order
- Ask a Question.
- Form a Hypothesis.
- Perform a Controlled Experiment.
- Collect and Analyze Data.
- Form a Conclusion.
testable questions are
specific, observable, scientific
Which of the following is NOT included in a conclusion?
1. A summary of the results
2. Sources of error
3. Whether the results support or refute the hypothesis
4. A list of materials and equipment used in the experiment
- A list of materials and equipment used in the experiment
How can you reduce error in an experiment?
1. Use a small sample size
2. Perform only one trial on the experiment
3. Calibrate your tools before using them
4. Both a and b
- Calibrate your tools before using them
What is a bias?
A judgment based on an opinion or assumption
When communicating scientific ideas, it’s important to:
1. Present scientific ideas backed by reliable pieces of evidence
2. Consider viewpoints that may be different than yours
3. Cite sources from where you obtained scientific ideas
4. All of the above
- All of the above
Why do scientists argue over scientific ideas?
1. Science is unreliable
2. Scientific information can be interpreted differently
3. Scientific information can be used in different ways
4. Both 2 and 3
- both 2 and 3
What is a critique?
An evaluation of a scientist’s ideas, experiment or research
What is the difference between a qualitative and quantitative observation?
qualitative is made with the senses while quantitative observation is measured numerically
Why is it important to conduct a controlled experiment?
It is important to conduct a controlled experiment because if the experiment isn’t controlled the data you gathered could be false.
Your teacher asks you to test the effects of sunlight on plant growth. You grow plants with different amounts of sunlight and measure their height. Identify the independent variable and dependent variable in the question above.
The independent variable in this experiment would be the amount of sunlight. The dependent variable is the plant growth.
What is the difference between analyzing and interpreting data?
To analyze the data we describe the relationship between the variable we change and the variable we measure. To interpret data is to make a declaration about what the data means.
Why is it important to be able to recognize bias in an investigation?
It is important to recognize bias in an investigation because bais can led sciences to overlook important data sets
