BIO (2010) - Scientific Investigation Vocab

conclusion

the answer to a hypothesis based on the data obtained from the experiment

constant

factor that is kept the same for all groups in an experiment

control

part of the experiment that doesn't get exposed to the independent variable; it is the standard that is used for comparison between subjects receiving treatment and those receiving no treatment

data

- results; may be qualitative or quantitative

- must be organized (charts, tables, graphs, report)

dependent variable (dv)

the variable the scientist measures as a result of the experimental /manipulated variable

experiment

a scientific procedure used to make a discovery, test a hypothesis or demonstrate a known fact; should have limited variables and a constant to ensure the validity of results

used to measure volume of an irregular shaped object

graduated cylinder

hypothesis

- a suggested solution to a problem

- must be testable

- predicts an outcome

- sometimes written as "If [independent variable] then [dependent variable]"

independent variable (iv)

variable that "I" have control over, that "I" change/manipulate and test

mean (average)

used to measure length, distance, height

ruler (inches, feet, miles) or meter stick (mm, cm, m...)

scientific method

1. identify a problem

2. form a hypothesis

3. test (experiment)

4. analyze data

5. conclusion

variable

any factor that changes and impacts the outcome of an experiment

reliablility

When a research technique produces nearly identical results in repeated trials; the trait of being dependable

valid

well-founded on evidence and corresponds accurately to the real world

theory

explains how or why something occurs or occurred; not mathematical; based on consistent data from many experimental trials

law

explains what will happen given certain circumstances; can be reduced to an equation

observation

information gathered with the senses

inference

a conclusion based on evidence, reasoning, prior knowledge, and/or information that is not explicitly stated

professional / scientific peer-reviewed journals

best place to locate current findings on the newest technologies

state agencies

good for researching local information

sources/causes of error

anything that can have an effect on the results of an experiment; most common are too many uncontrolled variables and inaccuracy of making and recording measurements

collaboration

the act of working together

invalid

not correct, no basis in truth or fact

qualitative data

descriptive data

quanitative data

data that describes the results of an experiment in numbers

spontaneous generation

theory that life can arise form non-living matter