working scientifically Flashcards
Examples of primary resources
Conducting experiments in laboratory
Conducting fieldwork
Conducting surveys
Designing a model
Examples of second sourced investigation
Researching published data from primary and secondary sources
Independent variable
Variable controlled by the researcher (variable that is selected and changed)
Dependent variable
Variable that may change in response to a change in independent variable, is measured or observed
Controlled variable
Variables that are kept constant during investigation
Qualitative variables
Normjnal
Ordinal
Norminal- which order is not important (ex eye coulour)
Ordinal- order is important and groups have an obvious ranking or level (ex body mass)
Quantitative variable
Discrete
Continuous
Discrete variables- only intégrer numerical values, not fractions (ex. Sequence in DNA)
Continuous variables- any numerical value in given range (ex. Temp)
Validity
Whether experiment answers question
Test hypothesis
Control group
Randomisation improves validity
Reliability
Repeating
Point sampling
Counting organisms at selected points
Quadrants
A square that is surveyed as a representation of a larger area
Transects
Straight line along which vegetation is sampled
Mark recapture
Animals are captured, marked then released. When animals are observed or recaptured their mark is used to identify
Qualitative data
Nominal
Ordinal
Nominal- no inherent category order ex. biological sex
Ordinal- inherent category order ex. Age group
Quantitative
Discrete
Continuous
Discrete- distinct and seperate values ex. Number of flowers in garden
Continuous- any number value in a range ex. Time, agency
