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What is the main purpose of the scientific method?
What is the main purpose of the scientific method?
A hypothesis is a statement that predicts the outcome of an experiment and is always true.
A hypothesis is a statement that predicts the outcome of an experiment and is always true.
False
What is the purpose of an aim in an experiment?
What is the purpose of an aim in an experiment?
The aim is the purpose or reason for conducting an experiment.
The ______ barked
The ______ barked
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What is the main difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable?
What is the main difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable?
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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A control experiment is a part of the investigation where the independent variable is added.
A control experiment is a part of the investigation where the independent variable is added.
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What is the purpose of the method and materials section in an experiment?
What is the purpose of the method and materials section in an experiment?
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What is the primary purpose of a control experiment?
What is the primary purpose of a control experiment?
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Validity refers to the consistency of the results.
Validity refers to the consistency of the results.
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What is the purpose of analyzing results in an experiment?
What is the purpose of analyzing results in an experiment?
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A conclusion should clearly state whether the hypothesis is ______________________ or disproved.
A conclusion should clearly state whether the hypothesis is ______________________ or disproved.
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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What type of graph is typically used to display continuous data?
What type of graph is typically used to display continuous data?
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A conclusion should include specific data points.
A conclusion should include specific data points.
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What should a conclusion include about the hypothesis?
What should a conclusion include about the hypothesis?
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Study Notes
The Scientific Method
- The scientific method is a step-by-step process used to answer questions and solve problems in science.
- It is based on observation, asking questions, and testing hypotheses through experimentation.
Aim
- The aim is the purpose or reason for conducting an experiment.
- It should be concise, without a predicted result, and contain an independent and dependent variable.
- The aim starts with keywords like "to investigate", "to test", "to measure", etc.
- Example: "To investigate the effect of the concentration of sucrose on the rate of cellular respiration in yeast cells."
Independent and Dependent Variables
- Independent variable: the variable being tested or measured, which affects the outcome of the experiment.
- Dependent variable: the variable being measured, which has an unknown outcome.
- In the example, the concentration of sucrose is the independent variable, and the rate of cellular respiration is the dependent variable.
Hypothesis
- A hypothesis is a statement that predicts the outcome of an experiment.
- It is based on previous research and knowledge.
- At the high school level, a hypothesis is not always necessarily true or provable.
- A hypothesis must include the independent and dependent variables and be written in the future tense.
- Example: "As the concentration of sucrose increases, the rate of cellular respiration in yeast cells will also increase."
Method and Materials
- Method and materials describe the steps taken to carry out the experiment.
- They should be specific, detailed, and include exact measurements.
- The method and materials should be written in a formal tone, without using pronouns like "I" or "we".
- Example: "Four test tubes, each with a different concentration of sucrose, were used. The same species of yeast was used, and a small amount of salt was added."
Control Experiment
- A control experiment is a part of the investigation where the independent variable is removed.
- All other variables remain the same.
- The easiest way to identify a control experiment is to remove the main player or substance that is doing the work.
- Example: The first test tube with no sucrose is the control experiment.
Validity and Reliability
- Validity refers to the accuracy of the results.
- It is achieved by keeping all variables constant, except for the independent variable.
- Reliability refers to the consistency of the results.
- It is achieved by repeating the experiment, increasing the sample size, and calculating an average.
Analyzing Results
- After conducting the experiment, results are collected and analyzed.
- The results may be presented in a table or graph.
- The results should be used to support or reject the hypothesis.### Choosing the Right Graph
- The type of data collected determines the type of graph to plot
- In this case, a line graph is chosen because it is continuous data
Writing a Conclusion
- A conclusion is a final statement confirming or disproving the hypothesis
- It must include the independent and dependent variables
- It must either support or disprove the hypothesis
- It should not contain any results or numbers
- It is a statement, not a question
Key Points for Writing a Conclusion
- Restate the hypothesis in different words
- Clearly state whether the hypothesis is supported or disproved
- Focus on the overall trend or pattern, not specific data points
Example of a Conclusion
- As sucrose increases, so does respiration rate in yeast
- This conclusion is supported by the graph, which shows an increase in volume of gas as sucrose concentration increases
The Scientific Method
- A step-by-step process used to answer questions and solve problems in science based on observation, asking questions, and testing hypotheses through experimentation.
Aim
- The purpose or reason for conducting an experiment, which should be concise, without a predicted result, and contain an independent and dependent variable.
- It should start with keywords like "to investigate", "to test", "to measure", etc.
- Example: "To investigate the effect of the concentration of sucrose on the rate of cellular respiration in yeast cells."
Independent and Dependent Variables
- Independent variable: the variable being tested or measured, which affects the outcome of the experiment.
- Dependent variable: the variable being measured, which has an unknown outcome.
- Example: In the experiment, the concentration of sucrose is the independent variable, and the rate of cellular respiration is the dependent variable.
Hypothesis
- A statement that predicts the outcome of an experiment, based on previous research and knowledge.
- Must include the independent and dependent variables and be written in the future tense.
- Example: "As the concentration of sucrose increases, the rate of cellular respiration in yeast cells will also increase."
Method and Materials
- Describe the steps taken to carry out the experiment, including specific details and exact measurements.
- Should be written in a formal tone, without using pronouns like "I" or "we".
- Example: Four test tubes, each with a different concentration of sucrose, were used.
Control Experiment
- A part of the investigation where the independent variable is removed, while all other variables remain the same.
- The easiest way to identify a control experiment is to remove the main player or substance that is doing the work.
- Example: The first test tube with no sucrose is the control experiment.
Validity and Reliability
- Validity refers to the accuracy of the results, achieved by keeping all variables constant, except for the independent variable.
- Reliability refers to the consistency of the results, achieved by repeating the experiment, increasing the sample size, and calculating an average.
Analyzing Results
- Collect and analyze results after conducting the experiment.
- Results may be presented in a table or graph.
- Results should be used to support or reject the hypothesis.
Choosing the Right Graph
- The type of data collected determines the type of graph to plot.
- In this case, a line graph is chosen because it is continuous data.
Writing a Conclusion
- A final statement confirming or disproving the hypothesis.
- Must include the independent and dependent variables.
- Must either support or disprove the hypothesis.
- Should not contain any results or numbers.
- It is a statement, not a question.
Key Points for Writing a Conclusion
- Restate the hypothesis in different words.
- Clearly state whether the hypothesis is supported or disproved.
- Focus on the overall trend or pattern, not specific data points.
Example of a Conclusion
- As sucrose increases, so does respiration rate in yeast.
- This conclusion is supported by the graph, which shows an increase in volume of gas as sucrose concentration increases.
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Description
Understand the scientific method and its application in experimentation, including the importance of aims and hypotheses.
