Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of experimental investigations?
What is the primary focus of experimental investigations?
- Qualitative measures and observations
- Subjective analysis of different outcomes
- Quantitative measures and one variable (correct)
- Descriptive details and multiple variables
What is required of a hypothesis?
What is required of a hypothesis?
- It must be untestable.
- It must be testable and predict an outcome. (correct)
- It needs to be proven correct.
- It should have multiple solutions.
Which of the following statements about observations is true?
Which of the following statements about observations is true?
- Observations are always subject to interpretation.
- Observations should only be qualitative.
- Observations can be both qualitative and quantitative. (correct)
- Observations do not require data collection.
What characterizes descriptive investigations?
What characterizes descriptive investigations?
In an experiment, what type of variable is manipulated by the scientist?
In an experiment, what type of variable is manipulated by the scientist?
Which of the following describes making an inference?
Which of the following describes making an inference?
What is the main difference between comparative and experimental investigations?
What is the main difference between comparative and experimental investigations?
Which step in the scientific method follows data collection?
Which step in the scientific method follows data collection?
What role do control variables play in an experiment?
What role do control variables play in an experiment?
Which of the following describes an independent variable?
Which of the following describes an independent variable?
What is the proper sequence in the scientific method?
What is the proper sequence in the scientific method?
What must be true about data collected in an experiment?
What must be true about data collected in an experiment?
What are the essential components of a valid experiment?
What are the essential components of a valid experiment?
In the context of variable types, how is the dependent variable defined?
In the context of variable types, how is the dependent variable defined?
What is the main purpose of the retesting step in the scientific method?
What is the main purpose of the retesting step in the scientific method?
Which of the following best summarizes the conclusion in an experiment?
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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