Principles Of Science: Scientific Process

Vocabulary for the scientific process.

If. . then. . statement

How to write a hypothesis.

Skepticism

Willingness to be incredulous about an idea unless it is supported by firm evidence or fact.

Scientific Process

The process of making an analysis along with predictions to accurately tell how believable an idea is.

Observations

The act of taking the detail of things in and collecting a factual thought about it.

Quantitive Observation

An observation dealing with a number or an amount.

Qualitative Observation

An observation dealing with a characteristic that cannot be expressed in numbers - color, shape, texture, etc.

Hypothesis

A testable explanation; a preliminary answer to a scientific question

Independent Variable

What the scientist changes in the experiment; the manipulated variable.

Dependent Variable

What you measure in the experiment; the responding variable

Scientific Theory

A well-tested and widely accepted explanation for observable facts.

Experiments

A controlled study of real-world phenomena, where all variables are accounted for

Control Group

The group that is kept normal (i.e. not exposed to the experimental test); this group serves as a standard comparison.

Constant

Variables that don’t change during the experiment.

If. .

Independent variable: this affects the dependent variable. For example, the rate of hair growth will improve if a special hair cream is applied. In this case, the independent variable is the hair cream, as it affects the rate of hair growth. What word expresses the independent variable?

Then. .

Dependent variable: this is affected by the Independent Variable. For example, if a special retardant is applied, then the wood will burn slower. What word properly expresses the dependent variable in the sentence?