Scientific Method Study Guide

Flashcards for the Scientific Method Study Guide

Scientific Method

A logical way to solve a problem or answer a question about the natural world through observation and experimentation

Observation

Identifying the problem

Question

Ask a testable question about the observation

Hypothesis

Create a testable and falsifiable explanation that answers the question at hand

Experiment

Perform a test that can prove the hypothesis right or wrong

Independent Variable

The thing you purposely change in the experiment. It is what you are testing to see how it affects something else.

Dependent Variable

The thing you observe or measure in the experiment. It depends on the independent variable.

Constants

Parts of the experiment that stay the same for all groups. They make sure the test is fair by isolating the effect of the independent variable.

Control Group

The group that does not receive the independent variable. Serves to help you observe what would happen under normal conditions.

Experimental Group

The group that receives the independent variable-- the one you are testing

Results

Analyze the data collected and determine if it supports or rejects the hypothesis

Conclusion

Modify the hypothesis if needed and report the findings

Data

The information that is collected during the experiment.

Quantitative Data

Numbers (Example: speed in cm/s)

Qualitative Data

Descriptions

Placebo

A fake treatment that looks real but has no active ingredients, used in experiments to compare against the actual treatment. It helps scientists see if the real treatment works better than doing nothing.

Double Blind Study

An experiment where neither the participants nor the researchers know who is getting the real treatment or the placebo.

Isolating Factors

Making sure that only one variable is changed in an experiment, while all other conditions stay the same.