Ch 2: Scientific Method Flashcards
Second stage
Proposing a hypothesis
Third stage
Designing and conducting an experiment
Fourth stage
Recording and analysing data
Fifth stage
Formulating a conclusion
Observations can be…
Qualitative or quantitative
Qualitative =
Made subjectively
Quantitative =
Made using measurements
First stage
Making an observation
Hypothesis =
Educated guess
Hypothesis can’t be provided but can be..
Supported or disproved
Abundance of evidence to support a hypothesis =
Theory
Aim of an experiment =
To disprove or support hypothesis
Variables =
Factors that can change or vary in an experiment
Independent variable =
Factor being manipulated
Dependent variable
Changes as a result of independent variable
Controlled variable =
Variables kept constant
Uncontrolled variables =
Variables that can reduce validity
Controlled experiment =
When all variables (except Iv) are held constant among all groups
Experimental group =
Undergoes conditions of the independent variable
Control group =
Kept constant, used as a comparison to experimental group
Placebo =
Looks like substance but has no effect, used to control psychologically uncontrolled variables
Double blind experiment =
No one knows who is receiving the independent variable - reduces bias and increases reliability
Well support hypothesis includes:
Sample size, replicates, repeated procedures
Sample size should be..
Large enough to reduce chance or abnormal results
