Scientific Observations Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a qualitative observation?

An observation that deals with characteristics that can be expressed in numbers.

An observation that only relies on quantitative data.

An observation that deals with characteristics that cannot be expressed in numbers. (correct)

An observation that is purely subjective.

What is a scientific observation?

A method of testing hypothesis by unobtrusively watching and recording participants' behavior in a systematic and objective manner.

A quantitative observation deals with characteristics that cannot be expressed in numbers.

False

What is a procedure?

A series of steps that describes a particular way of accomplishing something. Signup and view all the answers

What is data?

Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What is a line graph?

A graph that uses line segments to show changes that occur over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is a bar graph?

A graph that uses horizontal or vertical bars to display data. Signup and view all the answers

What is a circle graph?

A graph of data where the entire circle represents the whole or 100%. Signup and view all the answers

What are inferences?

An explanation of information that is based on facts but not directly seen. Signup and view all the answers

What are predictions?

Making a forecast of what will happen based on past experiences or evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hypothesis?

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory. Signup and view all the answers

What is an independent variable?

The variable that is purposely changed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dependent variable?

Variables that are not purposely changed but instead their responses are simply measured. Signup and view all the answers

What is a control in an experiment?

An experiment ran without any changes to show that any change was due to the variable being tested. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scientific Observations Definitions

Qualitative Observation: Focuses on characteristics that cannot be quantified and often includes descriptors like color, texture, or smell.
Scientific Observation: Involves systematically watching and recording behavior to test hypotheses in various settings, ensuring objectivity.
Quantitative Observation: Involves measurements that can be expressed numerically, often used for statistical analysis.

Basic Research Concepts

Procedure: A set sequence of steps designed to achieve a specific task or outcome in an experiment.
Data: Aggregated facts and figures collected for the purpose of analysis, serving as crucial evidence in research.

Graphical Representations of Data

Line Graph: Utilizes line segments to portray changes over time, effectively demonstrating trends.
Bar Graph: Employs vertical or horizontal bars to represent and compare data across different categories.
Circle Graph (Pie Chart): Visually displays data as a whole (100%) divided into proportional segments, illustrating relative sizes of parts to the whole.

Observational Inferences and Predictions

Inferences: Interpretative conclusions drawn from facts, not directly observable, that provide deeper understanding of data.
Predictions: Forecasts regarding future occurrences based on historical evidence or observed trends.

Hypothesis and Variables

Hypothesis: A scientifically testable statement or prediction that stems from a theory, guiding research direction.
Independent Variable: The specific factor that is deliberately altered to observe its effect on another variable.
Dependent Variable: The factor that is measured and observed in response to changes in the independent variable.

Control in Experiments

Control: A baseline experiment conducted without manipulation, used to validate that observed changes are solely due to the tested variable.

Description

Test your understanding of scientific observations with these flashcards. Learn the differences between qualitative and quantitative observations and their applications in research. A great resource for students in science classes or anyone interested in scientific methodologies.