Scientific Method

Scientific Method

A series of steps that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems

Problem

Always in form of a question; the question we are trying to answer by doing the experiment. Requires research.

Hypothesis

An educated statement that is testable. It can be written in a "IF....,then" statement.

Data and Results

A summary of the data you have collected (graphs, tables, charts, photos, etc.); all your observations from the experiment

Conclusion

The answer to your question; a summary of what you have learned from an experiment; support or refute the hypothesis.

Control Group

All conditions are kept normal; used as a COMPARISON. The groupd that doesn't receive the treatment or I.V.

Independent Variable (I.V.)

Factor in an experiment that a scientist purposely changes; the cause. It is what you are testing or manipulating.

Dependent Variable (D.V.)

The factor that changes (measured) as a result of the experiment; the effect. It is what you are measuring.

Experiments

Test your hypothesis. You may need to do this step more than once to see if the results are the same each time.

choose materials and lab equipment.

Observation

Information obtained through the five senses.

Cause and Effect

The reason something happens and the result of it happening.

Inference

A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

Validity

Factually sound or accepted.

Reliability

Consistently correct.

Sample size

The number of subjects used in an experiment or study. Generally, the larger the better.

Test subject

The object of study or observation in an experiment

Repeating an experiment to see if the same results are obtained

A way to increase the validity of an experiment.

Increasing the number of test subjects.

A way to increase the validity of an experiment.

Have other scientist check your experiment and results.

A way to increase the validity of an experiment.

refute

disprove