Unit 1: The Scientific Method

Question 1

Why do scientists analyze data?

Answer 1

To find patterns and meaning in the data and to evaluate the reliability of the data

Question 2

Analyzing experimental data hopefully leads to what?

Answer 2

An evidence-based conclusion about cause and effect

Question 3

Analyzing observational data hopefully leads to what?

Answer 3

An evidence-based conclusion about correlation

Question 4

How do scientists use digital spreadsheets to analyze data?

Answer 4

Scientists use them to organize data, generate graphs, and preform statistical calculations

Question 5

Why is it helpful to graph data?

Answer 5

1. It models data visually
2. It makes it easier to compare and contrast data
3. It helps reveal patterns, trends, and connections in data
4. It offers the potential for making evidence-based predictions

Question 6

Four things that must be included in the title of a graph

Answer 6

1. The purpose of the graph
2. The variables being recorded
3. The source of the data
4. Time/date of data collection

Question 7

Two things that must be included in the title of an axis

Answer 7

1. The name of the variable being recorded along the axis
2. The units of measurement (as applicable)

Question 8

Which variable goes along the x-axis?

Answer 8

Independent variable

Question 9

Which variable goes along the y-axis?

Answer 9

Dependent variable

Question 10

Which axis on a graph is horizontal?

Answer 10

X-axis

Question 11

Which axis on a graph is vertical?

Answer 11

Y-axis

Question 12

Why should a graph include plenty of horizontal and vertical gridlines?

Answer 12

Lots of gridlines help locate the value of data points on the graph with greater precision

Question 13

What does the term correlation mean?

Answer 13

A term describing the degree to which two variables move in coordination with one another

Question 14

What kind of graph shows correlation between two variables?

Answer 14

Scatter plot graph

Question 15

What does the line of best fit show?

Answer 15

The overall trend in the data

Question 16

What is the line of best fit?

Answer 16

A calculated line on a scatter plot graph that shows a trend in the data

Question 17

What is an R2 value?

Answer 17

A calculated number between 0 and 1 that describes how “tight” your data is to the line of best fit. A higher R2 value usually represents data that is “tighter” and a stronger correlation between variables.

Question 18

Why is the line of best fit useful?

Answer 18

The line of best fit can be used to predict the qualitative value of variables you haven’t directly measured

Question 19

What is interpolating?

Answer 19

Predicting how two variables correlate based on a known data point that falls within the range of previously measured data

Question 20

What is extrapolating?

Answer 20

Predicting how two variables correlate based on a known data point that falls outside the range of previously measured data

Question 21

What is a model in science?

Answer 21

A simplified representation of something complicated that is easier to measure, study, visualize, and understand. A model can be something you build, draw, describe using math or design digitally.

Question 22

What are the three important types of variables in experimental science?

Answer 22

Independent, dependent, and control variables

Question 23

What variable is changed by the experimenter?

Answer 23

Independent variable

Question 24

How many variables can the experimenter change per experiment (for accurate results)?

Answer 24

One

Question 25

What variable is affected by the independent variable?

Answer 25

Dependent variable

Question 26

What is a control variable?

Answer 26

Any part of an experimental system that you want to keep constant and unchanging

Question 27

What is qualitative data?

Answer 27

Observations that are described with words

Question 28

What is quantitative data?

Answer 28

Observations that use numbers

Question 29

What does scientific inquiry mean?

Answer 29

The different ways in which scientists ask and answer questions

Question 30

What’s the point of scientific inquiry?

Answer 30

To develop an evidence-based understanding of the world

Question 31

What are the two major types of scientific research?

Answer 31

Observational science and experimental science

Question 32

What are the four essentials of scientific inquiry and research?

Answer 32

1. Questions must be testable
2. Data must be measurable
3. Results must be repeatable
4. Conclusions must be evidence based

Question 33

What are the three big questions that guide most scientific research?

Answer 33

1. What’s out there?
2. How do things work?
3. How have things gotten to be the way they are now?

Question 34

What is an inference?

Answer 34

An attempt to understand something based on an incomplete set of observations, facts, or clues

Question 35

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 35

A prediction about the results of a future experiment based on prior knowledge (i.e. crap you already know)

Question 36

What is a conclusion?

Answer 36

A confident statement that summarizes what you have learned based on a reliable set of collected evidence

Question 37

What is a scientific theory?

Answer 37

The best, most widely accepted accepted explanation for a wide range of observations and experimental results.