Scientific Method Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the steps of the scientific method, experimental design variables, and types of data observations.

Scientific Method

A step-by-step process that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems.

Observation

Using your 5 senses (sight, touch, smell, hearing, taste) or lab tools to notice something.

Question

Formulating specific, testable questions based on observations, such as identifying what factor influences a reaction rate.

Hypothesis

A testable explanation for an observation; an educated prediction rather than a random guess.

Experiment

Designing and executing a controlled study consisting of two groups: Controlled and Experimental.

Analysis

Organizing raw measurements into tables, calculations, and graphs to identify trends.

Conclusion

Evaluating whether data supports or refutes the hypothesis.

Support vs. Prove Rule

The scientific principle that experiments never 'prove' a hypothesis 100% correct forever; instead, data either SUPPORTS (agrees with) or REFUTES (disagrees with) it.

Independent Variable (IV)

The ONE thing changed on purpose in an experiment, located on the X-axis.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The factor that is measured or observed to see what happens, located on the Y-axis.

Constants (Controlled Variables)

Elements kept EXACTLY THE SAME in every test to ensure the experiment is fair.

Control Group

The baseline group receiving standard conditions or no treatment, used for direct comparison.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that has the specific variable being tested.

Qualitative Observations (Qualities)

Descriptions that use WORDS and senses without the use of numbers.

Quantitative Observations (Quantities)

Information that uses NUMBERS and UNITS, such as mass in $g$, volume in $mL$, or temperature in $^{\circ}C$.