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Questions and Answers
What is the difference between the independent and dependent variables?
What is the difference between the independent and dependent variables?
The independent variable is manipulated by the experimenter, while the dependent variable is tested and measured, dependent on the independent variable.
Where do the independent and dependent variables go on a graph?
Where do the independent and dependent variables go on a graph?
The independent variable goes on the x-axis and the dependent variable goes on the y-axis.
Define scientific theory.
Define scientific theory.
A scientific theory is a carefully thought-out explanation for observations of the natural world constructed using the scientific method.
What is the scientific method?
What is the scientific method?
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What are the steps of the scientific method?
What are the steps of the scientific method?
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Describe good lab behavior.
Describe good lab behavior.
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How should a scientific experiment be run?
How should a scientific experiment be run?
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Define and compare observation, inference, and hypothesis.
Define and compare observation, inference, and hypothesis.
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What is the difference between qualitative data and quantitative data?
What is the difference between qualitative data and quantitative data?
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Describe bias.
Describe bias.
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What is a constant in an experiment?
What is a constant in an experiment?
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Describe the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law.
Describe the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law.
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What are the characteristics of a good scientist?
What are the characteristics of a good scientist?
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How does an observation about an object differ from an inference about that object?
How does an observation about an object differ from an inference about that object?
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Why does it make sense for scientists to test just one variable at a time in an experiment?
Why does it make sense for scientists to test just one variable at a time in an experiment?
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How can a graph of data be more informative than a table of the same data?
How can a graph of data be more informative than a table of the same data?
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Study Notes
Independent and Dependent Variables
- Independent variable: manipulated by experimenter, affects dependent variable.
- Dependent variable: tested and measured, relies on independent variable.
- Independent variable is plotted on the x-axis; dependent variable on the y-axis.
Scientific Theory
- Scientific theory: explanation for natural observations using the scientific method.
- Integrates various facts and hypotheses based on structured observations.
Scientific Method
- Scientific Method: systematic steps for conducting experiments.
- Steps include: observations, defining topic area, formulating hypothesis, testing with experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.
Good Lab Behavior
- Important lab practices: attention, responsibility, preparation through reading, prohibition of food/drink, collaboration with instructors.
Running a Scientific Experiment
- Characteristics of a good experiment: must be interesting, important, organized, valid, and repeatable.
Observation, Inference, and Hypothesis
- Observation: direct recognition or noting of facts/events.
- Inference: conclusions drawn from observations.
- Hypothesis: testable proposed explanation for observed phenomena.
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data
- Qualitative data: descriptive information (e.g., characteristics).
- Quantitative data: numerical information (e.g., measurements).
Bias
- Bias refers to personal influences that affect scientific objectivity.
Constants in Experiments
- Constants: factors that remain unchanged throughout an experiment to ensure valid results.
Scientific Theory vs. Scientific Law
- Scientific theory: based on well-tested observations and interpretations.
- Scientific law: established facts based on proven evidence.
Characteristics of a Good Scientist
- Essential traits include curiosity, skepticism (questioning assumptions), open-mindedness, and creativity.
Observation vs. Inference
- Observation consists of what is visibly occurring.
- Inference involves the interpretation or conclusions drawn from observations.
Testing Variables in Experiments
- Testing one variable at a time enhances accuracy in determining effects; multiple variables complicate attribution of outcomes.
Graphs vs. Tables
- Graphs visually represent data, making trends and relationships clearer than numerical tables.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the independent and dependent variables, the scientific method, and the principles of good lab behavior. This quiz covers essential concepts relevant to conducting scientific experiments and understanding scientific theories. Ensure you grasp the systematic approach needed for effective experimentation.
