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Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of experimental investigations?
What is required of a hypothesis?
Which of the following statements about observations is true?
What characterizes descriptive investigations?
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In an experiment, what type of variable is manipulated by the scientist?
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Which of the following describes making an inference?
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What is the main difference between comparative and experimental investigations?
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Which step in the scientific method follows data collection?
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What role do control variables play in an experiment?
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Which of the following describes an independent variable?
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What is the proper sequence in the scientific method?
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What must be true about data collected in an experiment?
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What are the essential components of a valid experiment?
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In the context of variable types, how is the dependent variable defined?
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What is the main purpose of the retesting step in the scientific method?
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Which of the following best summarizes the conclusion in an experiment?
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Study Notes
The Scientific Method
- The scientific method is a structured way to explore the world and answer questions about the natural world.
- Scientists make observations and use their senses and measurements to gather qualitative and quantitative data.
- Observations lead to questions and the identification of a problem.
- An inference is a logical explanation for an observation, based on knowledge, experience, and opinion.
Types of Investigations
- Descriptive Investigations: Primarily use qualitative observations, are open to interpretation, and generally have multiple variables.
- Comparative Investigations: Can include both qualitative and quantitative observations, are less subjective than descriptive investigations, and have fewer variables.
- Experimental Investigations: Focus primarily on quantitative measures, are completely objective, have only one variable, and can be repeated by other scientists.
Hypothesis
- A suggested solution to a problem, testable, and predicts an outcome.
- Often phrased as "If...then..." or "I believe that...".
Experiment
- A procedure designed to test a hypothesis.
- Contains variables or factors that are tested and controlled.
- There are three types of variables:
- Control (Constant): Factors kept constant to ensure a fair comparison.
- Independent (Manipulated): The factor the scientist changes.
- Dependent (Responsive): The factor the scientist measures or observes.
Valid Experiment
- A valid experiment requires two groups: a control group and an experimental group.
- It should have only one manipulated variable.
Data
- Results of the experiment, can be quantitative (numbers) or qualitative (qualities).
- Must be organized into charts, tables, or graphs to be usable.
Retesting
- Multiple trials with each independent variable are recommended to increase the validity of the experiment.
Conclusion
- The answer to the hypothesis based on the data obtained from the experiment.
- Determines whether the hypothesis was supported or refuted.
- Often uses the CER method:
- Claim: A statement that answers the research question.
- Evidence: Data from the experiment that supports the claim.
- Reasoning: Explanation of how the evidence supports the claim.
Steps to Solve a Problem Using the Scientific Method
- Identify a problem.
- State observations about the problem.
- Form a hypothesis about the problem (If...then...).
- Design an experiment to test the hypothesis.
- Collect data.
- Retest.
- Form a conclusion.
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Description
Explore the key aspects of the scientific method, a structured approach to understanding the natural world. Learn about different types of investigations, such as descriptive, comparative, and experimental, and how to formulate hypotheses for effective research.
