Topic 2 - Scientific Method Flashcards
1
Q
What is the scientific method?
A
A way to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments. CAUSE - EFFECT
2
Q
Which are the 5 steps?
A
- Observations and research
- Hypothesis
- Experiments
- Data collection, analysis and conclusion
- Communicate findings
3
Q
Observe and question:
A
- Use your senses to perceive interesting events
- Background research
- Based on observation and research, ask questions to to establish the production of investigation
- Scientific questions, starts with How, What, When or Determine
4
Q
What is a variable?
A
Any factor, characteristic, or condition
5
Q
Types of variables:
A
Independent, dependent, controlled. Must be quantified, measured and observed. Specific values
6
Q
Independent variable:
A
You decide the values
7
Q
Dependent variable:
A
Values that depend from the independent
8
Q
Controlled Variables:
A
All the other variables involved in a situation, must keep constant and avoid affecting the results
9
Q
Hypothesis:
A
- Is a tentative explanation, an educated guess or supposition for the observed event
- Must be easily measured or tested
- Must be a relation between 2 variables
- Use IF this occur, THEN that will happen to the dependent var.
10
Q
Experiments:
A
- The experiment is carried with the goal of verifying, rejecting, or validating a hypothesis
- The experiment change something in the independent cause that the dependent vary
11
Q
Data analysis and conclusion
A
- Collect the data, analyze it, draw conclusion
- The result are referred to the data obtained, by observations and measurements
- Use charts and graphs, analyze them to determine if your hypothesis is accepted or rejected
- Analyze relationships between variables
12
Q
Communicate findings
A
- Having the conclusions you will communicate your findings in a final report
- Can be published in a paper, magazine, newspaper
- Formulate a theory: When experiments can be repeated by many scientists confirming the hypothesis and making a theory