Chapter 1 - Scientific thinking

What is the 1st step to the scientific method?

Observation of a problem

What is the 2nd step to the scientific method?

Develop a Question

What is the 3rd step to the scientific method?

Create a Hypothesis

What is the 4th step to the scientific method?

Observation and Experiment

What is the 5th step to the scientific method?

Analyze results

• Repeat based on results

What is the 6th step to the scientific method?

Share Data

Define qualitative data

data that is not measurable. This data is more opinion based and usually less reliable (Ex. Hair color)

Define quantitative data

data that measures values or counts and is expressed as numbers (Ex. Age)

Define a hypothesis

What you think the answer is based upon your gathered information and prior knowledge (If…then statement)

Describe the purpose of observation and experiment

To create and conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis

What is an independent variable?

One factor that is changed or altered by the scientist between control and experimental groups (manipulated)

What is a dependent variable?

All the things that the scientist focuses his or her observations on to see how they respond to the change made to the independent variable (responding)

What is a controlled variable?

Quantities that a scientist wants to remain constant (remains unchanged)

What is an experimental group?

A group that receives the independent variable change

What is a control group?

A group that does NOT receive the independent variable change

What is the placebo effect?

The idea that we can be tricked into feeling a certain way if we think we were in the experimental group.

What is a blind test?

Where the person does not know which group they are in for an experiment

What is a double blind test?

When both the treatment groups AND the researchers performing the test do not know who the control group or the experiment groups are

What is a positive group?

Group that we know will give us a positive result

What is a negative group?

Group that we know will give us a negative result

What does a bar graph compare?

Compares numerical data

What does a pie chart compare?

Compares percentage data

What does a line graph compare?

Compares data over time

Define correlation

a trend in a data

Define causation

one variable had a direct influence on the other

What is a scientific theory

detailed explanation for why a natural phenomenon occurs

Define scientific law

statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes how some aspects of the universe works