Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the minimum number of times scientists should repeat an experiment to check validity?
What is the minimum number of times scientists should repeat an experiment to check validity?
- Three times (correct)
- Two times
- Five times
- Ten times
What should a scientist do if results do not match their predictions?
What should a scientist do if results do not match their predictions?
- Discard the experiment as invalid
- Immediately redo the experiment without changes
- Ask peers to redo the experiment
- Reassess the experimental design and data (correct)
Why is all data considered good data in science?
Why is all data considered good data in science?
- It usually confirms earlier results
- It has no impact on the final conclusions
- It can lead to new hypotheses or insights (correct)
- It helps to prove a hypothesis correct
What is a potential reason for a plant in the dark to grow, despite having no sunlight?
What is a potential reason for a plant in the dark to grow, despite having no sunlight?
When checking for flaws in experimental design, which factor is NOT important?
When checking for flaws in experimental design, which factor is NOT important?
What does the scientific method encourage after drawing conclusions?
What does the scientific method encourage after drawing conclusions?
Which of the following statements about experimental results is true?
Which of the following statements about experimental results is true?
What is the purpose of conducting background research before starting a scientific investigation?
What is the purpose of conducting background research before starting a scientific investigation?
Which statement best describes a hypothesis?
Which statement best describes a hypothesis?
In the example provided, what was the hypothesis about the effect of sunlight on plant growth?
In the example provided, what was the hypothesis about the effect of sunlight on plant growth?
What should you do after collecting data in an experiment?
What should you do after collecting data in an experiment?
Why is it important to refer to exact numbers in your assessment?
Why is it important to refer to exact numbers in your assessment?
What does it indicate if your results support your hypothesis?
What does it indicate if your results support your hypothesis?
What could be a reason for unexpected results in an experiment?
What could be a reason for unexpected results in an experiment?
Which of the following best describes the format of a hypothesis?
Which of the following best describes the format of a hypothesis?
Flashcards
Background research
Background research
The first step in a scientific investigation where you gather existing knowledge about a topic to understand what's already known.
Hypothesis
Hypothesis
An educated guess or prediction about the outcome of an experiment, often in the form of an 'if-then-because' statement.
Testing the hypothesis
Testing the hypothesis
The process of carrying out an experiment to test a hypothesis and gather data.
Data collection
Data collection
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Analyzing results
Analyzing results
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Conclusion
Conclusion
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Replicating experiments
Replicating experiments
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Inference
Inference
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Repeating Experiments
Repeating Experiments
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Alternate Hypothesis
Alternate Hypothesis
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Checking Experimental Design
Checking Experimental Design
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Scientific Method
Scientific Method
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Drawing Conclusions
Drawing Conclusions
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Study Notes
Starting a Scientific Investigation
- Background Research: Essential preliminary step; understand existing knowledge about the topic.
- Hypothesis Formulation: Create an "if-then-because" statement based on research. This educated guess predicts expected outcomes.
- Example: For plant growth and sunlight, a hypothesis might be: "If one plant is kept in the dark and one in sunlight, then the plant in the dark will not grow because it needs sunlight for photosynthesis."
Analyzing Your Results
- Comparing Results to Predictions: Crucial step; data collected aligns with the hypothesis?
- Agreement with Hypothesis: If results match predictions (e.g., dark plant doesn't grow), the hypothesis is supported; reasoning likely correct.
- Important: Quantifiable data is necessary; evidence must be stated using measurements.
- Repeating the Experiment: Repetition is vital for validity; typically 3 times is the minimum, but more repetitions strengthen the validity.
Dealing with Conflicting Results
- Unforeseen Results: If results don't match predictions, don't discard the experiment but consider alternate explanations.
- Example: If a dark plant grows slightly, investigate reasons beyond initial hypothesis; perhaps stored sugars supply energy.
- Further Research: Consult additional sources to develop an alternate hypothesis for unexpected results.
- Alternative Hypthosis: Formulate a new hypothesis and repeat the whole procedure.
Validating the Experiment
- Experimental Flaws: If results mismatch expectations, scrutinize methodology for errors.
- Procedure Review: Examine all aspects of the experiment to ensure accurate measurements using consistent units and timings.
- Controlling Variables: Guarantee the same conditions for the plants, or consider additional hypothesis regarding exposure to external variables (light, water or soil).
- Experiment Repetition: Multiple trials increase the reliability of data, to further validate the results.
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