9A Scientific Method for Final Exam

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of a control setup in an experiment?

To provide a baseline for comparison (correct)

To test the independent variable

To collect data for the experiment

To make a conclusion about the hypothesis

A theory is a proposed explanation of a set of observations.

False

What is the purpose of constants in an experiment?

To keep all elements of the experiment the same in the experimental and control setups.

A hypothesis is a ________________________ explanation of a set of observations.

proposed Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of graph with its use.

Independent variable is continuous = Line Graph Independent variable is in categories = Bar Graph Signup and view all the answers

Why do multicellular organisms undergo mitosis?

To grow and develop Signup and view all the answers

You can say that you proved or disproved a hypothesis after conducting an experiment.

False Signup and view all the answers

How can you ensure that data collected during an experiment is reliable?

By doing the experiment multiple times, following all the exact steps with constants Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an observation and an inference?

An observation is a process of gathering information using 5 senses, while an inference is a logical explanation. Signup and view all the answers

A hypothesis is a prediction.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?

Qualitative data are descriptions that can be observed but not measured, while quantitative data are numerical and can be measured. Signup and view all the answers

The independent variable is the variable that is _______________ in an experiment.

manipulated Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Observation = A process of gathering information using 5 senses Inference = A logical explanation or guess Hypothesis = A proposed explanation of a set of observations Control Setup = A group of experiments where the independent variable is not manipulated Signup and view all the answers

We can say that we have proven a hypothesis through experimentation.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the control setup in an experiment?

To provide a standard against which to compare the experimental setup Signup and view all the answers

What is the dependent variable in an experiment?

The responding variable that changes due to the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scientific Method

Observation: the process of gathering information using the 5 senses
Inference: a logical explanation or guess that has bias and is based on one's own opinion
Qualitative data: descriptive, cannot be measured, and includes characteristics such as colors, textures, smells, tastes, and appearance
Quantitative data: deals with numbers, can be measured, and includes characteristics such as length, height, area, volume, weight, speed, time, and temperature

Steps of the Scientific Method

Observation: making an observation about a phenomenon
Defining a problem or question: identifying a question or problem to be addressed
Formulating a hypothesis: proposing an explanation for the observed phenomenon
Conducting a controlled experiment: testing the hypothesis through experimentation
Collecting and analyzing data: gathering and examining data from the experiment
Drawing conclusions: determining whether the data supports or does not support the hypothesis
Communicating results: sharing the findings of the experiment

Key Concepts

Hypothesis: a proposed explanation for a set of observations, not an educated guess or prediction
Independent variable: the variable being manipulated in an experiment to see its impact on the results
Dependent variable: the variable responding to the changes made to the independent variable
Experimental setup: the group of experiments where the independent variable is being manipulated
Control setup: the baseline for comparison, where the independent variable is not being manipulated
Constants: the elements of the experiment that are kept the same in both the experimental and control setups
Data collection: collecting data during an experiment, such as recording the temperature of a solution

Ensuring Reliable Data

Conducting the experiment multiple times, following the exact steps with constants, to ensure reliable data

Hypothesis and Theory

Theory: a well-supported scientific analysis of a natural phenomenon, supported by experiments and observations
Hypothesis: a proposed explanation for a set of observations
Fact: a thing that is known or proved to be true

Graphing

X-axis: depicts the independent variable
Y-axis: represents the dependent variable
Bar graph: used to compare quantities in different categories or groups, and to show relative amounts
Line graph: used to show overall trends and relationships between the independent and dependent variables, and to make predictions

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Description

Practice identifying observations, inferences, and types of data in the scientific method. Learn to distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data.