Science Inquiry Skills

Question 1

Identify the components of the scientific method

Answer 1

1. Recognition of Problem
2. Collection of Info Related to Problem
3. Making a hypothesis
4. Testing hypothesis/predictions
5. Collection of date from experiment
6. Make a conclusion

Question 2

What is an independent variable?

Answer 2

The factor that is being investigated and deliberately changed to determine how it affects results

Question 3

What is a dependent variable?

Answer 3

The factor that changes due to the changes made to the independent variable.

Question 4

What is a controlled variable?

Answer 4

The factors that are kept the same for control and experimental groups in experiment

Question 5

What is a good hypothesis?

Answer 5

1. A definite statement, not question
2. Short
3. Has a single idea that can be tested
4. Links to independent/dependent variables

Question 6

What is data?

Answer 6

The observations and records of all info from the experiment

Question 7

What is quantitative data?

Answer 7

Results that involve measurement
e.g. numbers

Question 8

What is qualitative data?

Answer 8

Direct observations

Question 9

What is repitition?

Answer 9

• Doing the same experiment many times
• Performing the experiment on a large number of subjects at the same time.

Question 10

Where are the variables plotted on a graph?

Answer 10

1. Independent = Horizontal Axis
2. Dependent = Vertical Axis

Question 11

What makes the method valid?

Answer 11

1. Accuracy
2. Reliability

Question 12

What is accuracy?

Answer 12

Refers to how correct/true the measurements are
- Possible if the correct measuring equipment is used

Question 13

What is reliability?

Answer 13

Refers to how similar the results for trials of the same test are.

Question 14

How can reliability be increased?

Answer 14

1. Method is followed correctly each time
2. Variables are controlled
3. Appropriate equipment

Question 15

What are the types of error that occur in an experiment?

Answer 15

1. Human Error
2. Random Error
3. Systematic Error

Question 16

What is human error?

Answer 16

A simple mistake that is not part of the experimental error. They should be avoidable with sufficient care and checking
- Incorrectly reading the scale on an instrument

Question 17

What is random error?

Answer 17

Unpredictable errors made because no measurement can be made with absolute precision. Impact can be reduced by taking several measurements and averaging.
- Stopping the watch too early or late

Question 18

What is systematic error?

Answer 18

Occurs because of the way an experiment is designed or due to problems with equipment. Only solution is to change the experimental procedure or experiment.
- Measurement always too high or too low