Unit I - "The Nature of Science" Flashcards
Constant
factor in an experiment that doesn’t change between experimental groups
Control
a group used for comparison that isn’t under experimental conditions
Dependent Variable (DV)
what is measured at the end to see how it’s affected by the IV
Independent Variable (IV)
what is changed in an experiment between experimental groups
Law
a fact based on observation
Model
a representation of something based on evidence
Observation
a recording of what one has sensed
Qualitative
type of information based on personal description
Quantitative
type of information based on numbers
Refute
to prove to be wrong
Science
the process of gaining knowledge about the world through observation and experimentation
Source of error
a tool or method that results in inaccurate data being collected
Support
to provide evidence for
Theory
an explanation based on evidence
Uncertainty
the range surrounding a true value
Variable
a factor that changes in an experiment
What are the steps of the scientific method? (6)
ask a question, research/observe, formulate a hypothesis, perform an experiment, analyze data/ draw conclusion, and communicate results.
A soap manufacturer wants to prove that their detergent works better to remove tough stains. What is the dependent variable?
amount of stain removed
You want to see if playing music makes plants grow taller. What is the independent variable in this experiment?
type of music
You think that a certain part of your brain is important in memory. To test this, you will remove this part of the brain from rats and see if they remember how to get through the maze. What is the independent variable in this experiment?
Brain part
You want to see if playing music makes plants grow taller. What is the dependent variable in this experiement?
Height of the plant
A soap manufacturer wants to prove that their detergent works better to remove tough stains. What is the independent variable?
detergent
What is the format of a testable question?
“how does (IV) affect (DV)?”
What is the format of a hypothesis?
“if we (CHANGE IV), then (DV WILL CHANGE), because (EXPLANATION)
How do we really know for sure if our data is reliable and valid?
we will know for sure because we do many trials for each experimental group. if the results for each trial are similar, that means that are data is completely reliable.
How are models accurate, and inaccurate at the same time?
Models can never fully represent reality. They are merely an approximation, which may be useful in most cases.If the model gives you predictions that lead you toward the solution faster than if you didn’t use the model, then I would call that useful. But using the model always means you’re mindful of its limits and assumptions. How do you know how accurate the model is? You need to validate it with known data (known inputs and outputs). Models may also give the wrong idea about a certain subject; for example, if a student were to look at a globe, they may actually think that the countries on it are the color that is represented on the globe. They may also think that the countries are labeled in real life, and that there are real longitude and latitude lines,
How does uncertainty exist in every measurement?
The uncertainty principle is the concept that precise, simultaneous measurement of some complementary variables – such as the position and momentum of a subatomic particle – is impossible
Why are scientific theories an important part of research and understanding?
Scientific theories help scientists create predictions
True or false: Theories and laws are facts as far as we know*
True
What happens to the uncertainty when the range is 0.5? What happens when the range is 1.5?
The range decreases; the range increases.
Hypothesis
An educated guess
How is uncertainty reduced?
Multiple measurements / trials
Ask a Testable Question
To ask a question about a phenomenon
Research/Observe
Include research in order to come up with a hypothesis and get the idea of what you are trying to answer.
Perform an Experiment
Create your procedure, which should be step-by-step in order for someone else to repeat it.
Analyze Data/ Draw conclusion
Create a data table or a graph which conveys your results, and form a conclusion based on your results.
Communicate Results
Share your results and what you have learned
