Key Science Skills Flashcards
Investigation/research Aim
The purpose of a study
Investigation Question
The question that is to be solved by a study
Hypothesis
An idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proven.
Independent Variable
The variable that is being manipulated (controlled, changed, or selected) by the researcher.
Dependent Variable
The variable that is being measured by the researcher.
Extraneous Variable
A variable other than the independent variable that may have an unwanted effect on the dependent variable and results of an investigation.
Controlled Variable
A variable that is held constant to ensure that the only influence on the dependent variable is the independent variable.
Confounding Variable
An unwanted variable that has affected the results of an investigation.
Population of Interest
The wider group of people that the researcher is interested in understanding.
Sample
The participants selected from the population, who participate in the investigation.
Sampling Technique
Involves procedures for selecting participants from the population.
Random Sampling
Selecting participants from the population in a way that means each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected to participate in the study.
Stratified Sampling
First dividing the population into subgroups, and then randomly selecting participants from each subgroup in the proportion that they appear in the population.
Ethical Concept/Guidelines
Guidelines that ensure the protection and welfare of all participant in research.
Ethical Guideline: No lasting harm
Occurs at the conclusion of the experiment and involves the researcher outlining the nature of the experiment and ensuring participants do not leave with any lasting harm.
