AP Scientific Method

Scientific Method

A plan of inquiry that uses science process skills as tools to gather, organize, analyze, and communicate information.

investigate

to examine, study, or inquire into systematically

data

Information used for analysis and reason

classify

to group things based on similar characteristics

predict

to guess what will happen in the future

experiment

a series of steps used to test a hypothesis

experimental hypothesis

a prediction based on background knowledge saying what is expected to happen in an experiment

conclusion

a process of arriving at a final result

analyze

to figure out what data or information means

variable

a quantity or condition that can be changed or measured in an experiment

dependent variable (dv)

Which variable represents the results or data being measured during an experiment?

control variable (cv)

Which variable that is kept the same (not changed) during the experiment to ensure the test is fair?

independent variable

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

observation

Information obtained through the senses.

inference

A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

qualitative data

Information that describes qualities or characteristics, often collected through observations and not measured numerically.

quantatative data

null hypothesis