VCE Chemistry Methodologies

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering investigation methodologies, experimental variables, data handling, and scientific inquiry skills for VCE Chemistry Units 1-4.

Case study

An investigation of a particular event or problem containing a real or hypothetical situation that includes real-world complexities, taking historical, role-play, or problem-solving forms.

Classification

The arrangement of phenomena, objects, or events into manageable sets, such as grouping organic compounds into families to predict molecular behaviour.

Identification

A process of recognizing phenomena as belonging to particular sets or possibly being part of a new or unique set.

Controlled experiment

An experimental investigation of the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable, while realistically controlling all other variables.

Fieldwork

An investigation undertaken by students at a specific location to solve a problem or investigate an issue by generating and recording site-specific data.

Literature review

The collation and analysis of secondary data related to other people's scientific findings and/or viewpoints to answer a question, provide background information, or prepare for generating primary data.

Modelling

The construction of a physical, conceptual, or mathematical model to represent or describe an object or system and make predictions.

Physical model

A small-scale or large-scale physical representation of an object.

Conceptual model

A model that represents a system involving concepts to help people know, understand, or simulate the system.

Mathematical model

A representation of a system using mathematical equations that describe relationships between variables and can be used to make predictions.

Product, process or system development

The design of an artefact, process, or system to meet a need, which may involve technological applications in addition to scientific knowledge and procedures.

Simulation

A process of using a model to study the behaviour of a real or theoretical system, especially when variables cannot be controlled or the system is too complex, large, small, fast, slow, inaccessible, or dangerous.

Logbook

A record used to authenticate generated or collated data and document any adaptations, extensions, or modifications made to investigation processes.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Informational documents used to account for risks and inform risk assessments to demonstrate safe laboratory practices.

Primary data

Data that is systematically generated and recorded directly by the investigator during an investigation.

Secondary data

Data collated from external sources, such as other researchers' scientific findings, viewpoints, databases, or reputable online sources.

Sustainability concepts

Principles encompassing green chemistry principles, development goals, and the transition from a linear towards a circular economy, applied to evaluate chemistry scenarios and challenges.