Introduction to Experimental Design

Flashcards covering the fundamental concepts of experimental design, including variables, constants, and control groups as discussed in the lecture.

Hypothesis

Something that is testable, conceptually possible, and able to be performed in real-life settings.

Independent Variable

The variable being changed or manipulated by the scientist to see if the change produces a different result.

Dependent Variable

The variable that changes as a result of the independent variable; it is the data or the factor that is measured in an experiment.

Control Variable (Constant)

The factors in an experiment that stay the same the entire time for all test subjects, such as using the same size bags, paper towels, and the amount of liquid.

Control Group

The baseline group that receives no special treatment or receives the standard, normal thing (e.g., water) to provide a basis for comparison.

Experimental Group

The groups that receive a specific treatment or change, such as being given salt, vinegar, ammonia, or nitrogen fertilizer solution.

Isolate Causality

The principle of changing only one thing at a time to pinpoint which specific variable is responsible for the overall outcome.

Data

Information collected about the dependent variable during the course of an experiment.

Incubator Temperature

An example of a constant in the bean experiment, where all bags were kept at approximately $77\,^{\circ}F$.

Bean Quantity Constant

A specific control variable in the experiment where exactly $5$ beans were used in each bag.