Scientific Method and Data Analysis Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards reviewing core scientific method concepts, types of data, experiment variables, and measurements.

Observation

A description of something using your $5$ senses or a measurement.

Inference

A conclusion or deduction based on observations or data collected.

Qualitative Data

Data that refers to observations using the $5$ senses, such as touch, smell, and taste.

Quantitative Data

Data that refers to measurable observations using a number.

Scientific Method

A step-by-step way to solve a scientific problem.

Steps of the Scientific Method

The ordered sequence: $1.$ Observe $\rightarrow$ Question, $2.$ Research/Background, $3.$ Experiment, $4.$ Analyze data and conclude, $5.$ Communicate Results.

Independent Variable

The variable you select or change, whose outcome affects the dependent variable (e.g., temperature).

Dependent Variable

The variable influenced by the independent variable, which is the variable you measure (e.g., time).

DRY MIX

An acronym to remember variable axes: DRY stands for Dependent Responding Y-axis, and MIX stands for Manipulated Independent X-axis.

Measurement

Determining the amount of a physical property in science, such as length, mass, volume, or density.

Observation or inference.

The meat is charred.

Inference, because it doesn’t say details it just is a guess