8/25 To 9/12 Flashcards
(41 cards)
Opinion
A view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based in fact or knowledge
Why use the scientific method?
Benefits?
The scientific method is methodical, so it promotes facts over opinions/bias
Bias
Prejudice in favor of, or against something or someone, often in a way considered unfair. Usually due to cultural events
Steps of the scientific method
Make an observation, ask a question, do some research, make a hypothesis, conduct an experiment, analyze results, (left) hypothesis is true, (right) hypothesis still needs work, report results
Is the scientific method a linear method?
No, because in the scientific method, you can go back at any step, but not in a linear process
Observation
Using your senses to help you gather info
Inference
Why something is happening, or why it occurred
Prediction
What I expect to observe, a forecast of what will happen
Qualitative observations
Can’t be expressed using numbers, or directly measured, description of physical properties
Quantitative Observations
Something you can measure or calculate using numbers, measurements, sometimes with your senses
Scientific investigation
A process of discovery that uses the scientific method
Proper question
State the problem-be precise
Variable
An element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change
Independent variable
variable changed by the scientist
Dependent variable
Determined by he independent variable
Why research?
Learn from the mistakes that others have made.
What to do for research
Construct a research plan
Use key parts of your question to decide what’s to be researched
Network-talk to others that may know something about your question
Research
An educated guess based on your observations and research that attempts to answer your question
Control variable
Variables that must be held constant
Control group
A variable a scientist purposefully keeps away from the IV so the scientist can see how something behaves before the experiment begins
Procedure
Step by step description of how you conducted your experiment
Important considerations
Test one thing at a time
Do several trials then average the most accurate results
Repeat experiment at least three times
Explain your procedure (variables)
List materials used
Use photos, diagrams, anything that’s helpful
Collecting and organizing data
Collect data during an experiment
Organize your data as it grows so you can make sense of it
Often the best way to organize data is to use a data table
Correctly title and label your data table
Showing results
Try to graph your results
Label and include units
Statistics are a good way to display data