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Questions and Answers
What are the three basic stages of a scientific enquiry?
The three basic stages of a scientific enquiry are purpose and planning, carrying out a scientific enquiry, and analysis, evaluation and conclusions.
Define the independent and dependent variables in a scientific enquiry.
The independent variable is changed by the scientist, while the dependent variable changes as a result of the independent variable's manipulation.
What is the purpose of control variables in an investigation?
Control variables are kept the same throughout an investigation to ensure that the results are solely due to the independent variable being tested.
Explain the difference between a fair test and an extraneous variable.
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What skills are necessary when carrying out an enquiry and recording data?
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Study Notes
Scientific Enquiry Overview
- Scientific enquiry is the process through which scientific facts are discovered, involving structured thinking and work.
- It consists of three main stages: purpose and planning, carrying out the enquiry, and analysis, evaluation, and conclusions.
Stage 1: Setting up an Enquiry
- Evaluate a hypothesis to determine if it can be tested.
- Consider evidence that may support or contradict the hypothesis.
- Use scientific understanding to predict potential outcomes of the enquiry.
- Understand and consider hazard symbols in practical investigations.
- Choose appropriate types of investigations, acknowledging that not all require fair tests.
- Identify and plan for independent, dependent, and control variables:
- Independent Variable: The one manipulated by the scientist.
- Dependent Variable: The one that responds to the change in the independent variable.
- Control Variables: Constants kept unchanged throughout the investigation.
- Extraneous variables are additional factors that are not crucial to the investigation, like laboratory wall color or wind direction.
Stage 2: Carrying out an Enquiry and Recording Data
- Utilize classification skills for observing and testing various processes, including biological, chemical, and physical.
- Select and use equipment safely and properly.
- Determine the necessary number of observations and measurements for reliable data collection.
- Collect accurate and precise measurements using proper instruments.
- Ensure reliable data recording in an easily examinable format.
- Assess secondary sources critically for relevance and bias.
- Accuracy relates to closeness to the true value, while precision refers to the closeness of measured values to one another.
Stage 3: Examining Results and Drawing Conclusions
- Compare predictions with actual results to assess accuracy.
- Identify patterns or trends from the results, including any anomalous results that deviate from expected patterns.
- Interpret results to formulate conclusions while acknowledging potential limitations.
- Review the investigation process to suggest improvements for obtaining more reliable data.
- Clearly communicate observations and interpretations while summarizing findings effectively.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamentals of scientific enquiry, including the stages of planning, conducting experiments, and analyzing results. It also focuses on hypothesis testing, variables, and safety considerations in practical investigations. Test your understanding of how scientific facts are discovered through structured methods.
