Scientific Method Vocab

Question 1

Observations

Answer 1

Anything you notice using your senses.

Question 2

Determining a research problem/question

Answer 2

Brainstorming IVs to make a hypothesis.

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

An educated scientific prediction; if (IV), then (DV) because…

Question 4

Controlled experiement

Answer 4

Only one IV, and only two variables change: IV and DV.

Question 5

Independent/manipulative variable (IV)

Answer 5

The variable you (the scientist) change.

Question 6

Dependent/responding variable (DV)

Answer 6

The variable that changes because of the change in the IV.

Question 7

Constants/controlled variables

Answer 7

Things that are kept the same (constant) in an experiment

Question 8

Control group

Answer 8

A set of trials/variables with no IV

Question 9

Recording data- qualitative

Answer 9

Data that can’t be measured or described using numbers. Description of the color, texture, smell, taste, etc. Best in dated journals.

Question 10

Recording data- quantitative

Answer 10

Uses numbers; is countable/measurable. Best in data table. Can average, record high to low, use a graph, or use statistics.

Question 11

Analyzing data

Answer 11

Reviewing results using averages, high to low, graphs, or statistics.

Question 12

Conclusion

Answer 12

Say whether or not experiment SUPPORTS hypothesis; don’t use words like “right/wrong,” or “prove.” Use numbers and data in your conclusion. Include 2-3 errors.

Question 13

Errors

Answer 13

Include 2-3 errors or improvements in your conclusion.

Question 14

Replicating the work

Answer 14

If several scientists around the world do your experiment and get similar results, your hypothesis becomes theory.

Question 15

Theory

Answer 15

The closest thing to scientific fact until more is discovered.

Question 16

EDD Diagram

Answer 16

IV, IV table, DV, Research question, Hypothesis, Constant table, Uncontrollable factors, Application, Safety and ethics, Data table, Conclusion and graphs.