The Nature of Science - Mrs. Moody - Study Guide

Nature of Science Quiz Study Guide 09/03/2025

Scientific Method

When one investigates a natural occurrence

Observation

Anything one determines using one’s 5 senses

(Observation a.) Quantitative

Numerical observation

(Observation b.) Qualitative

Observation made from the 5 senses

Inference

An assumption made from reasoning or prior knowledge

Alternative Hypothesis (H sub. 1)

Testable, measurable, specific (If ____, Then ____.)

Independent Variable

Manipulated variable

Dependent Variable

Measured variable

Experimental Groups

What we are interested in testing

Constant

What doesn’t change in an experiment

Control Groups

The standard (at least 1)

(Control a.) + Control

Known (Ex. name brand)

(Control b.) - Control

No (Ex. Placebo), or normal (Ex. sunlight)

Natural Occurrence

Something observable that can be tested, which happens due to the world’s autonomy