What are some parts that make up scientific investigation?

An experiment is an organized procedure to study something under controlled conditions.

An observation is the process of getting information by using the senses.

Hypothesis

Is an idea or explanation that can be tested and that leads to scientific investigation.

Independent and Dependent Variables

A variable is a factor that can change in a scientific investigation.

Independent Variable: one thing that the experimenter changes on purpose.

Dependent Variable: something that changes as a result of the independent variable (often what is measured).

Observations and Data

Data are information and measurements gathered by experimentation that can be used in calculating or reasoning.

What are some scientific methods?

Define a Problem

A scientific problem is a specific question that a scientist wants to answer and it must be well defined, or precisely stated.

Forming a Hypothesis and Making Predictions

A hypothesis states a possible explanation to a question and must be test to see if it is supported.

Planning an Investigation

The investigation must be carefully planned.

Field or lab

What tools and technology

What materials are needed?

Identify Variables

The dependent and independent variables of the experiment need to be identified in the hypothesis.

Other variables such as the control also need to be identified.

Collecting and Organizing Data

Data collected is recorded so that it can be analyzed.

Data such as measurements and numbers can be organized into tables, spreadsheets or graphs.

Interpreting Data and Analyzing Information

Interpretations of the data collected.

Used to draw conclusions.

Drawing and Defending Conclusions

Conclude if the results support their hypothesis.

Conclusions not supporting a hypothesis is not a bad thing, the experiments can be repeated, or scientists can start again.

How are scientific methods used?

Used to study any aspect of the natural world – physical, life and Earth science.

Social sciences – focus on human society.

What are the key components of a controlled investigation?

Independent variable - one thing that the experimenter changes on purpose.

Dependent variable - something that changes as a result of the independent variable (often what is measured).

Control – the part in the experiment that does not change.

Why should investigations be carried out more than once?

To verify results – accurate and reliable

Experiments can be replicated by other scientists, the results should be the same as the original experiment.

What are some characterizes of good scientific investigation?

Well documented observations.

Have supporting evidence.

Controlled variables.

Experiment should be repeated many times.

Should be able to be replicated or peer review.

How can you evaluate the quality of scientific information?

The most reliable scientific information is published in scientific journals or summaries of these articles.

Books if the person is knowledgeable about the field of study.

Most reliable on the internet are - .gov & .edu