The Scientific Method Flashcards
Data
the information gathered from observations; evidence
Use data in a sentence
Example:
The students collected data when they completed their Living Environment lab.
The data show that our hypothesis was correct.
Observation
Using one or more of the senses - sight, hearing, touch, smell, and sometimes taste - to gather information
What words are related to observation?
Observe - I will observe how you complete the lab.
Observer - The observers watched from the sidelines.
Observant - You are an observant person because you notice everything.
Quantative observation
An observation that involves numbers.
Qualitative observation
An observation that involves characteristics that cannot easily be measured or counted, such as color or texture.
Inference
A logical interpretation based on prior knowledge and experience.
Use inference in a sentence
Example:
The scientist made an inference that the water was safe to drink based on the samples she had collected.
What words are related to inference?
Infer - I inferred the answer from the context in the book.
Hypothesis
A possible explanation for a set of observations or an answer to a scientific question.
In science, when is a hypothesis useful?
Only when it can be tested.
Use hypothesis in a sentence.
Redi’s hypothesis was that maggots come from flies.
What words are related to hypothesis?
Hypothesize - Redi hypothesized that flies produce maggots.
What is the plural of hypothesis?
Hypotheses
Variables
The factors in an experiment that can change
Independent variable
The factor in an experiment that the scientist varies to see how it will affect the dependent variable.
Dependent variable
The factor in an experiment that the scientist measures and keeps the same.
Controlled experiment
An experiment in which only one variable is changed at a time.
Why should scientists only test their hypotheses with controlled experiments?
Because in a controlled experiment, the scientist is only changing one variable at a time, so he/she can tell which variable is responsible for the results.
Prediction
An educated guess
Use prediction in a sentence.
Example:
Redi made a prediction that keeping flies away from meat would prevent the appearance of maggots.
Conclusion
The end result of the experiment that proves or disproves the hypothesis.
What words are related to conclusion?
Conclude - Redi concluded that flies produce maggots.
Experimental design
The plan for an experiment
