01.20 BIO How Scientists Work (ALL)

Scientific Method

A step by step method used to explain the natural world.

Make an Observation/Ask a Question (Scientific Method)

Make an observation and then ask a question about that observation. The first step of the scientific method. The first step of the scientific method.

Controlled experiment

A scientific investigation in which both the control group and experimental group(s) are kept under the same variables EXCEPT for the ONE factor being studied so that the effect of that factor can be identified or determined

Do Background Research (Scientific Method)

Gather information about the topic that is being studied. The second step of the scientific method.

Control group

The group that does not receive the experimental treatment.

Construct a Hypothesis (Scientific Method)

An educated guess or prediction to a question that can be tested. The third step of the scientific method.

Experimental group

The group in which one variable is changed. The variable which is changed is called the independent variable. This groups' data is compared to the controls' group data

Test with a Controlled Experiment (Scientific Method)

A controlled way to test the hypothesis. The fourth step of the scientific method.

Analyze Data (Scientific Method)

Analyze the evidence gathered during an experiment that will help you decide if your hypothesis is supported or not. The fifth step of the scientific method.

Draw Conclusions (Scientific Method)

State whether your hypothesis is supported or not. If it is supported, repeat the experiment. If it is not supported, make a new hypothesis and test that with a new experiment. The fourth step of the scientific method.

Communicate Results (Scientific Method)

Share the results of the experiment with other scientists.

Variable

Anything in an experiment that can affect the outcome of the experiment.

Controlled variables

Factors that stay the same during the experiment

Independent variable /Manipulated variable

The variable the scientist changes or manipulates so that it can be tested. Expressed after the word IF in your hypothesis. Can be referred to as the manipulated variable

Dependent variable / Responding variable

The variable that is measured and expressed after the word THEN in your hypothesis. This is the data you collect. Think "D" for dependent = data

Hypothesis (Description)

An educated guess about a possible solution to a problem that is expressed in an IF , THEN ... BECASUSE statement. i.e. If (insert independent variable), then (insert dependent variable) BECAUSE. . ..

Inference

A conclusion based on the observations using reasoning skills, previous experiences, and opinions.

Theory

A well-tested hypothesis that explains observations. and lets scientists make predictions. It allows you to explain other natural phenomena.

Quantitative data

Data that is measured and expressed in numbers that include records or time, temperature, mass, distance, and volume

Qualitative data

Data that is collected using your senses.

Sample size

The number of times data is collected in an experiment.

Table

A chart to organize and record measurements that you make

Bar graph

A graph that uses thick bars to compare the frequency of data (how often something occurs) or to show comparisons among data that does NOT continuously change.

Line graph

A graph that shows relationships between variables that change over time