5th Period Final Exam Study Guide - Scientific Thinking and Processes

Flashcards covering the steps of the scientific method, data types, variables, and the difference between scientific theories and laws.

What is the first step of the scientific method (Observation)?

Using the senses to study the world; using tools to collect measurements; examining previous research results.

What is a research question?

A clear, concise, and focused question that guides a research project.

What is background research?

Exploring existing information and literature related to a specific topic to understand its history, nature, and current state of knowledge.

What is a hypothesis?

Proposed explanation or to answer a scientific question.

What is an experiment?

Process that tests a hypothesis by collecting information under controlled conditions.

What is a procedure?

A series of actions conducted in a certain order or manner.

What is data collection?

A systematic method used to gather and report data consistently, ensuring completeness and measurement system consistency to obtain reliable estimates.

What is data analysis?

The process of examining raw data to derive meaningful insights, support decision-making, and solve problems.

What is the conclusion of a scientific paper?

The final section of a paper that summarizes the main findings, restates the thesis or research question, and discusses the implications and significance of the work.

What does it mean to share results in the scientific method?

Communicating findings to others through various avenues like publications, presentations, or public forums.

What is quantitative data?

Information that can be counted or measured numerically.

What is qualitative data?

Describes qualities or characteristics that can be observed but not easily counted.

What are four ways of collecting data?

Surveys, observations, experiments, and interviews.

Give examples of primary data sources.

Surveys and lab experiments.

Give examples of secondary data sources.

Textbooks and research articles.

What is the independent variable (IV)?

What you change in an experiment.

What is the dependent variable (DV)?

What you measure in an experiment.

What is a constant variable?

What you keep the same in an experiment.

What happens in a controlled group?

No treatment or IV applied.

What happens in an experimental group?

Receives the IV.

In the hypothesis 'If students sleep more, then their test scores will improve,' what is the IV?

Hours of sleep.

In the hypothesis 'If students sleep more, then their test scores will improve,' what is the DV?

Test scores.

What does a scientific theory do?

Explains why something happens.

What does a scientific law do?

Describes what happens, often with math.