1 The Scientific Method

Observation

The use of your senses to gather information

Experiment

A controlled test or investigation to determine the validity of a hypothesis

Scientific method

A process of investigation carried out to create explanations based on the observations and evidence they gather from experiments

Data

The results, measurements and information gathered through observations from experiments

Conclusion

The interpretation or explanation of the data reached after consideration

Hypothesis

An educated guess about the result of an experiment based on an observation.

Scientific Law/Principle

A scientific statement that has been well tested over time, supported, and verifiable by a number of experiments.

Independent Variable

The part of an experiment that I change during the experiment. It is plotted on the X axis of the graph.

Dependent Variable

This changes as a result of changes in the Independent Variable. It is plotted on the Y axis of the graph.

Control

The standard to compare results in an experiment.

Replicate

To repeat an experiment

Sample size

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

Random Selection

The process of choosing, without method or conscious choice, subjects or items to be scientifically tested

Theory

An explanation supported by results from many different experiments gathered over a long period of time

Double blind testing

An experiment where neither the researchers nor the participants know who received the substance being evaluated and who received the placebo

Placebo

A substance that is presented as a drug, but having no actual effect. It is used as a control in an experiment