APES - Scientific Method Quiz Review

Scientific Method

A systematic process of investigating a question by forming a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, collecting data, and using the results to draw a conclusion.

Problem/Research Question

The specific question the scientist is trying to answer through the investigation.

Hypothesis (H)

A testable prediction about the relationship between the independent and dependent variables; it predicts that an effect or relationship will occur.

Null Hypothesis (Ho)

A prediction that the independent variable will have no effect or relationship with the dependent variable.

Independent Variable (IV)

The factor that the researcher deliberately changes or manipulates; ask "What did the scientist change?"

Dependent Variable (DV)

The factor that the researcher measures or observes; ask "What did the scientist measure?"

Control Variables (CV)

Conditions that are kept the same for the experimental and control groups so the independent variable is the main difference between them.

Control Group (CG)

The group that does not receive the experimental treatment and provides a comparison for the experimental group.

Experimental Group (EG)

The group that receives the experimental treatment or independent variable.

Experimental Variable (EV)

A factor other than the independent variable that could affect the dependent variable and interfere with the results.

Quantitative Data

Numerical measurements or observations, such as height, mass, time, temperature, or number of organisms.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive observations that are not primarily numerical, such as changes in appearance or behavior.

Results

The patterns or findings shown by the data collected during an experiment.

Conclusion

An evidence-based statement explaining what the results mean and whether they support the hypothesis.

How do you determine whether a hypothesis is supported?

Compare the experimental and control groups and determine whether the data shows the effect predicted by the hypothesis.

What should you say if the data supports the hypothesis?

Say that the results support the hypothesis; do not say the hypothesis has been permanently proven.

What should you say if the data does not support the hypothesis?

State that the results do not support the hypothesis and explain how the data differed from the prediction.

How should you answer a question asking what decision should be made based on the data?

Use the actual results as evidence, compare the relevant groups, and decide whether the hypothesis is supported or not supported.

Why is a control group important?

It provides a baseline for comparison, allowing researchers to determine whether the experimental treatment is associated with a change in the dependent variable.

Why are control variables important?

They prevent other conditions from becoming possible explanations for differences in the dependent variable.

How do you identify the variables in a scenario?

IV = what was changed; DV = what was measured; CV = what was kept the same; EV = another factor that could affect the results.

How do you identify the control and experimental groups?

CG = group without the experimental treatment; EG = group that receives the experimental treatment.

What is the difference between correlation and causation?

Correlation means two variables are associated; causation means a change in one variable directly causes a change in another.

What is replication?

Repeating an experiment to determine whether similar results occur consistently.

Why does sample size matter?

A larger sample can make results more reliable by reducing the influence of differences among individual subjects.

What is the basic process for analyzing an experimental scenario?

Identify the problem, H and Ho, IV, DV, CVs, CG, EG, and possible EVs; then analyze the data and make an evidence-based conclusion.