Physics Scientific Method Parts 1-3 Quiz Review

Controlled experiment

all variables except the one being tested stay the same to make the experiment fair + results reliable

variables

any factor in an experiment that could affect the results and is therefore tested separately

independent variable

the variable that is purposely manipulated ~ what you changed first

Dependent variable

the variable being observed for changes in response to the independent variable ~ what you measure 2nd

observation

any info gathered using your sense

quantitative observation

involves measurements or numbers

qualitative observation

does not involve numbers

standard

idea or thing used as a measure, norm, or model

unit

any fixed amount used as a standard

Addition/subtraction sig figs

least # of decimals

Multiplication/division

least # of sig figs

What is a hypothesis

• a testable statement about the relationship between 2 or more variables

• a proposed explanation

• can you measure it?

control

what is static/being affected by the variable

inference

a quick conclusion that attempts to explain an observation (not really testable)

tables

• independent first column

• dependent 2nd

• make sure the units are at the top not in the data

how do scientists report info?

• scientific journal

• poster sessions