Scientific Method and Variables Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering the Scientific Method, types of variables, and specific experimental examples involving water/seeds and yellowjackets.

Hypothesis

A testable, educated guess.

Independent Variable (Experimental Group)

The part or group that the experimenter changes, tests, or manipulates.

Control Group

The normal, unchanged group used as a baseline for comparison to the Independent Variable/Experimental group.

Dependent Variable

The results that are measured during or after the experiment.

Constants

Parts that do not change throughout the experiment and are kept the same in each trial, such as the number of test subjects, type of soil, or amount of light.

State the Question/Problem

The first step of the Scientific Method, such as asking how to get rid of a yellowjacket nest.

Research/Gather Information

The second step of the Scientific Method, which involves investigating what works (e.g., gasoline, bugspray, or fireworks).

Form a Hypothesis

The third step of the Scientific Method, for example, predicting that fireworks will destroy more yellowjackets than gasoline.

Do the Test/Experiment

The fourth step of the Scientific Method where an Independent Variable (e.g., fireworks) is tested and compared against a Control Group (e.g., gasoline).

Analyze the Data

The fifth step of the Scientific Method where results are compared, such as Gasoline killing $80\%$ and Fireworks killing $95\%$ of yellowjackets.

Form a Conclusion

The final step of the Scientific Method where it is determined if the hypothesis was confirmed.

Example of a Measureable Result

In the yellowjacket experiment, the Dependent Variable is exactly how many yellowjackets are killed.

Example of an Independent Variable (Seed Experiment)

The amount of water given to the seeds.

Example of a Dependent Variable (Seed Experiment)

The fraction of seeds that sprout (e.g., $\frac{9}{10}$ seeds).