Scientific Method and Experimental Design

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the scientific method and experimental design.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for testing hypotheses and understanding phenomena through observation and experimentation.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation or prediction that can be tested through experimentation.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured and tested in an experiment; it responds to changes in the independent variable.

Independent Variable

The variable that is changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Controlled Variable

Variables that are kept constant to ensure that the experiment tests only the effect of the independent variable.

Line of Best Fit (LOBF)

A straight line that best represents the data in a scatter plot, indicating the overall trend.

Curve of Best Fit (COBF)

A curved line that best represents the data in a scatter plot when the relationship between variables is not linear.

Analysis

The process of examining data to draw conclusions or insights based on the results of an experiment.

Conclusion

A summary of the findings of an investigation that states the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Variables

Factors in an experiment that can change; includes independent, dependent, and controlled variables.