Scientific Method Overview: Fill in the blank
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Questions and Answers

The ______ variable is the variable being tested.

dependent

Exposure to sunlight is an example of an ______ variable.

independent

The ______ involves quantitative data that can be measured in numbers.

measuring

A ______ is a small part used to represent the entire population.

<p>sample</p> Signup and view all the answers

Conclusions should be made on the basis of ______, not observations.

<p>facts</p> Signup and view all the answers

Theories tie together related hypotheses and are supported by ______ evidence.

<p>considerable</p> Signup and view all the answers

Observation – STEP 1 Employing your five senses to perceive objects or events Asking a Question Based on ______; one or more questions are generated

<p>observations</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Hypothesis --- Is a statement made in advance that states the results that will be obtained from testing the hypothesis Often written in the form of an “if then” statement Ex: If plants are exposed to sunlight then they will ______

<p>grow</p> Signup and view all the answers

Forming a Hypothesis – STEP 2 A statement is testable if evidence can be collected that either does or doesn’t support it It can never be proven beyond doubt Often must be refined and revised or ______

<p>discarded</p> Signup and view all the answers

Experimenting – STEP 3 Testing a hypothesis or prediction by gathering data under controlled conditions – conducting a controlled experiment Based on a comparison of a control group with an experimental group A treatment is the condition being tested in the experiment otherwise known as the ______ variable

<p>independent</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scientific Method

  • Observation (STEP 1): employing the five senses to perceive objects or events
  • Asking a question based on observations, generating one or more questions

Hypothesis

  • Forming a hypothesis (STEP 2): a statement that is testable, where evidence can be collected to support or reject it
  • A hypothesis is a statement made in advance, stating the results that will be obtained from testing
  • Often written in the form of an "if-then" statement, e.g. "If plants are exposed to sunlight, then they will grow."
  • A hypothesis can never be proven beyond doubt, and may need to be refined, revised, or discarded

Experimenting

  • Experimenting (STEP 3): testing a hypothesis or prediction by gathering data under controlled conditions
  • Conducting a controlled experiment, comparing a control group with an experimental group
  • A treatment is the condition being tested in the experiment, also known as the independent variable
  • A control group is a group that does not receive the treatment
  • The experimental group is the group that contains the test subjects, receiving the treatment

Variables

  • Types of variables:
    • Independent variable (IV): the variable that is changed
    • Dependent variable (DV): the variable being tested

Data and Analysis

  • Measuring (STEP 4): involves quantitative data that can be measured in numbers, and/or qualitative data that is not numbers
  • Organizing data (STEP 4): placing observations and measurements in order, using graphs, charts, tables, or maps
  • Analyzing data (STEP 4): determining whether data is reliable, and whether it supports or rejects a hypothesis
  • Conclusion (STEP 5): made on the basis of facts, not observations, and should support the hypothesis, with the possibility of re-testing

Communication

  • Communication (STEP 6): sharing results with other scientists, publishing findings in journals, and presenting at scientific meetings
  • Scientists must be unbiased, not tamper with data, and only publish and report tested and proven ideas
  • Communication is essential to the scientific process, allowing for examination and verification by other scientists

Theories and Laws

  • A theory: a broad and comprehensive statement of what is thought to be true, supported by considerable evidence, tying together related hypotheses
  • A law: a statement of fact that concisely explains an action or group of actions, accepted as true, universal, and may be expressed as a math equation

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Description

Learn about the scientific method, a process for exploring the natural world. This quiz covers the steps involved in the scientific method, such as observation, asking questions, and forming hypotheses.

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