lecture 2: scientific method

lab work

experiments done in controlled setting

field work

experiments conducted in natural habitat

hypothesis

possible testable explanation doe observed phenomena using previous knowledge

must be testable

test hypothesis

An if-then statement that leads to prediction, experiment, or further observation

scientific method

observation→question→hypothesis→prediction→experiment→data→conclusion→repeat

what do questions lead to

observations

what do observations lead to

questions

parts of experimental design

independent, dependent, control variable

control and test groupi

independent variable

being manipulated

dependent variable

affected by independent variable, what is being measured

control variable

dont change to ensure the outcome isnt affected

control group

undergo experiment with no independent variable for baseline

test group

undergoes experiment with independent variable

what must the results of an experiment be

observable and objective

what is essential for concluding experiments

statistical testing

how do you conclude an experiment

analyze statistical testing

avoid using significant unless proven by stats

accept/reject hypothesis

repeat experiment if needed

what is important in conducting experiments

replication to give variation though several trial and subjects or both