Scientific Method

These flashcards cover key concepts of the Scientific Method as outlined in the lecture notes.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for investigation, consisting of observation, questioning, hypothesizing, experimenting, analyzing, concluding, and proposing theories.

Observation

The act of noting and recording an event or phenomenon, which can be quantitative (numbers) or qualitative (descriptive).

Hypothesis

A testable prediction that addresses the question posed during the scientific method.

Independent Variable

The factor in an experiment that is changed or manipulated to observe its effect.

Dependent Variable

The factor in an experiment that is measured or observed as a result of changes in the independent variable.

Constants

Elements of the experiment that remain unchanged to ensure a fair test.

Conclusion

The summary of the findings after analyzing the data, indicating whether the hypothesis was supported or not.

Theory

A comprehensive explanation of an aspect of the natural world that is supported by a body of evidence.

Law

A statement that describes a consistent phenomenon in nature, often expressed mathematically.