10 Questions
Which of the following best describes an observation?
Something that can be directly seen, tasted, touched, heard, or smelled
What is an inference?
A conclusion drawn from prior knowledge
What is the purpose of a prediction in an experiment?
To make a statement about what will happen
What is a hypothesis?
An explanation that can be tested
What is an independent variable?
The variable that is changed in an experiment
What is a dependent variable?
The variable that is observed or measured
What are controlled or constant variables in an experiment?
The variables that are kept the same in an experiment
Why is it important to keep controlled variables the same in an experiment?
To ensure accurate and reliable results
Why is a larger sample size preferred in an experiment?
To improve the reliability of the results
What is the purpose of conducting an experiment?
To test hypotheses and draw conclusions
Study Notes
Understanding the Nature of Science and Experimental Design
- Observations are direct information gathered through the five senses.
- Inferences are conclusions drawn based on prior knowledge and observations.
- Predictions are statements about what will occur in an experiment.
- Hypotheses are testable explanations for a prediction.
- In an experiment, the independent variable is what is changed.
- The dependent variable is what is observed or measured.
- Controlled variables are factors that are kept constant in an experiment.
- It is important to have a large sample size in an experiment for more accurate data.
- The more reviews something has, the more reliable the feedback is.
- The researcher in the example is curious about how light affects plant growth.
- The researcher changes the amount of light as the independent variable.
- The height of the plants is measured as the dependent variable.
Test your knowledge on the nature of science and important vocabulary words related to observations and inferences. Learn how to distinguish between observations and inferences based on the five senses and their application in experiments.
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