The Scientific Method and Experimental Design

Comprehensive review flashcards covering the definitions, steps, variables, and data types associated with the scientific method.

What are the sequential steps of the scientific method outlined in the notes?

Figure out how things work $\rightarrow$ Notice a problem or something $\rightarrow$ Ask a question $\rightarrow$ Make a hypothesis $\rightarrow$ Test it with an experiment $\rightarrow$ Check the result for a correct answer.

How is an observation defined?

Noticing a fact or something collected by your senses or tools, where you notice, ask and wonder, and then think why and how.

What is a problem in the scientific method?

The main question you want to answer, where you ask "why or how" to something in order to test or investigate in an experiment.

What is a hypothesis, and what format is it normally written in?

A testable guess that explains what you think, normally written as an "If, then" statement so that direct testing through an experiment shows whether it is correct or wrong.

What is an inference according to the notes?

A smart guess or fact based on existing knowledge where you observe and figure something out on your own instead of using resources like the internet, even without seeing what directly happened.

What does research entail before starting an experiment?

Looking for facts and info about a hypothesis (by asking others, looking online, or elsewhere) to develop a new hypothesis for a better answer to the results.

What are materials, and why is it important to list them?

The supplies, tools, and equipment used in an experiment. They are listed so the experiment can be repeated if needed.

What is a procedure in an experiment?

A step-by-step instruction to follow when conducting an experiment (compared to instructions on how to bake a pizza).

How is an experiment defined?

A test conducted to see if something works well or not, which may lead to modifying a hypothesis and obtaining new results.

What occurs during the analysis phase of an experiment?

Looking closely at clues, numbers, and data during an experiment to interpret what they mean, typically by organizing notes into a chart or graph to spot patterns or changes.

What is a constant, and what example is given?

A factor that is kept unchanged throughout the experiment to ensure true results; for example, giving plants the same amount of water and dirt.

What is a variable in a scientific experiment?

A factor that you can change to make conditions different.

What is an independent variable, and what example is used to illustrate it?

The factor you choose to change that causes you to test; for example, watering one plant with water and another with juice to see what happens.

What is a dependent variable, and what example is used to illustrate it?

The factor measured in an experiment that changes because of the testing; for example, a plant's height when testing different amounts of sunlight, because its growth depends on the light.

What is data in the context of a science experiment?

A clue, note, or fact recorded during an experiment that can be measured or described to show what occurs during the test.

What is quantitative data?

Information collected in an experiment by counting or measuring using numbers, representing things you can track or measure.

What is qualitative data?

Information collected in an experiment using senses and descriptive words instead of numbers, focusing on how things look and feel.

What are results in an experiment?

The final facts, numbers, or answers obtained at the end of an experiment, displayed using tables or graphs to determine if the hypothesis is right or wrong.

What is a conclusion?

A final wrap-up at the end where you explain what was learned, evaluate whether the original hypothesis was correct or incorrect, and explain what the experiment proved.