methods of science

control

In an experiment, the standard that is used for comparison

controlled experiment

a test of the effect of a single variable by changing it while keeping all other variables the same

hypothesis

a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

qualitative data

Information describing color, odor, shape, or some other physical characteristic

quantitative data

Data associated with mathematical models and statistical techniques used to analyze spatial location and association.

discrete data

Numerical data values that can be counted, only whole numbers

continuous data

Numerical data values that can be measured, can have decimals

Dependant variable

the variable that relies on the independant variable

independant variable

the thing that will be changed in each experiment

What constitutes a controlled experiment?

In an experiment, only one variable is changed at a time while other variables are kept constant.

What must you consider in designing a controlled experiment?

You need to have a control group to compare with the experimental group to get reliable results

What is the Scientific Method?

Process or steps taken to produce a reliable answer to a specific question
Observation
Research
Hypothesis
Experiment
Conclusion
Share results

pillbug lab activity

Pill bugs don't prefer wet or dry environments, because they expressed kinesis (random movement) towards both side, rather than positive or negative taxis.

standard deviation

1. Work out the Mean (the simple average of the numbers)
2. Then for each number: subtract the Mean and square the result
3. Then work out the mean of those squared differences.
4. Take the square root of that and we are done!

correct graph

makes it EASIER for the reader to understand the data, always includes a complete descriptive title, uses a reasonable scale on both axes, often compares groups, includes labels on both axes, includes units on both axes, often includes a key (unless individual segments or bars are labeled

Line Graph

In Biology this is always a "line of best fit" - no "dot-to-dot"
Use when both variables are linear/continuous
Use when plotting a rate
In Biology, many times the line of best fit is NOT a straight line

Scatter Plot

Use a scatter plot to determine whether or not two variables have a relationship
or correlation.
Use a scatter plot when your independent variable has multiple values for your
dependent variable.
Scatter plots can also be used for 3 variables

Bar Graphs & Histograms

Use a histogram when the bars represent a quantitative variable (numbers) - such as a range of weights or ages, Use a bar graph when the bars represent categories - such as colors or TV shows, In a histogram the bars touch and the variable on the X-axis is continuous, In a bar graph, the bars do NOT touch and the variable on the x-axis is a group of categories, be used to compare multiple groups by placing bars next to each other (like males & females)

Pie Chart

Use a pie chart when you want to show how something is divided
A pie chart must start with a circle (360°)
Each "piece of the pie" is a percent of the circle and the % must be shown
If the "wedges are very small, this can be done with a key