Scientific Method and Process Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the scientific method steps, variables, types of data, metric and standard units, scientific predictions, inferences, and conclusions.

Hypothesis

An educated guess or prediction about what will happen based on what you already know and what you have already learned from your research, which must be testable and can be written as an "If…, then…." statement.

Quantitative data

Data expressed in numerical counts or measurements, such as 1 flower or 2 friends.

Qualitative data

Data describing characteristics or qualities, such as a red flower or cool friends.

Independent Variable

The factor in an experiment that is altered, purposely changed, or manipulated by the experimenter.

Control Variable

The constants in an experiment that are purposefully kept the same throughout the experiment.

Dependent Variable

The factor in an experiment that changes as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable.

Metric Units

Measurement units consisting of Meters for length, Grams for weight, Celsius for temperature, and Liters for volume.

U.S. Standard Units

Measurement units consisting of inches, yards, and miles for length; pounds and ounces for weight; Fahrenheit for temperature; and fluid ounces, gallons, and cups for volume.

Scientific Prediction

A forecast about what may happen in some future situation based on the application of factual information, principles, and recognition of trends and patterns.

Inference

A tentative explanation based on background knowledge and available data.

Conclusion

A summary statement based on the results of an investigation, which relies on verifiable observations.