Scientific Method & Graphing - Key Terms

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts from the Scientific Method, experimental design, data organization, graphing, and metric measurements. Each card defines a term commonly encountered in Chapter 1.1 topics and related assignments.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for investigating phenomena, typically including observing, questioning, hypothesizing, testing with controlled experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

Observation

Using the senses to gather factual information about the natural world.

Question

A statement or inquiry that guides an investigation.

Inference

A conclusion drawn from evidence and prior knowledge, not directly observed.

Hypothesis

A testable educated guess about the relationship between variables.

Controlled Experiment

An experiment where only one independent variable is deliberately changed while all other variables are kept constant.

Independent Variable

The variable deliberately changed by the experimenter to test its effect.

Dependent Variable

The variable measured in response to changes in the independent variable.

Control Variables (Constants)

Variables kept constant to ensure observed effects are due to the independent variable.

Control Group

The group that does not receive the experimental treatment, used for comparison.

Experimental Group

The group that receives the experimental treatment or condition.

Data Table

A structured grid used to organize data in rows and columns for analysis.

Average (Mean)

The sum of values divided by the number of values; a measure of central tendency.

Percent Change

The difference between two values expressed as a percentage of the initial value.

Graph

A visual representation of data showing relationships between variables.

Title (Graph Title)

The heading describing what the graph represents.

Axis Labels

Text indicating what each axis represents.

Units

Standard quantities used to measure variables (e.g., g, L, cm, °C).

Scale

The range and interval spacing on a graph's axes.

Key/Legend

An explanation of symbols, colors, or patterns used on the graph.

Graph Type

The kind of graph used (line, bar, etc.) to best display the data.

Metric Measurements

Using the metric system to measure mass, volume, temperature, length, etc.

Ladder Method

A method for converting between metric units by moving the decimal point along powers of ten.

Mass

The amount of matter in an object; typically measured in grams (g).

Volume

The amount of space an object occupies; typically measured in liters (L) or cubic centimeters (cm³).

Temperature

A measure of how hot or cold something is; typically °C or Kelvin.

Length

A measure of distance between two points; typically meters (m) or centimeters (cm).

Collecting Data

Gathering measurements and observations during an experiment.

Analyzing Data

Examining data to identify trends, patterns, and relationships.

Drawing Conclusions

Forming a final statement based on data, graphs, and evidence.