Scientific Investigation Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is Observation?
Something that can be SENSED (seen/touched/heard etc.)
What is Qualitative observation?
Observations that describe qualities or characteristics (e.g., color, shape, texture).
What is Quantitative observation?
Observations that involve NUMBERS or measurements (e.g., length, mass, temperature).
What is Inference?
A logical interpretation or explanation of what might be happening.
What is a Hypothesis?
A testable and falsifiable statement that proposes a possible explanation for a phenomenon or a relationship between variables. Often in an ‘if…then…’ format.
What is a Prediction?
A statement that forecasts what will happen in a specific situation if the hypothesis is supported. It is a specific, measurable outcome expected in an experiment.
What is an Independent Variable?
The variable that is intentionally changed or manipulated by the researcher in an experiment. It is the presumed cause.
What is a Dependent Variable?
The variable that is measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable. It is the presumed effect.
What is a Control Group?
A group in an experiment that serves as a baseline for comparison.
What is an Experimental Group?
Any group in an experiment that receives the experimental treatment or manipulation (the independent variable is applied).
What are Constants?
Factors in an experiment that are kept the same for all groups to ensure that only the independent variable is affecting the dependent variable.
What is Data?
Facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observation and experimentation. Can be qualitative or quantitative.
What is Analysis?
The process of examining and interpreting data to identify patterns, trends, and relationships.
What is a Conclusion?
A summary of the findings of an investigation, stating whether the hypothesis was supported or refuted and providing evidence from the data.
What is a Theory?
An explanation of some aspect of the natural world based on lots of evidence. Can be changed based on new findings.
What is a Law (Scientific Law)?
A descriptive statement or equation that reliably predicts events under certain conditions. Laws are often mathematical and describe what happens, but not necessarily why.
What is the Scientific Method?
A systematic approach to scientific inquiry that typically involves observation, asking questions, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. It is not a rigid, linear process.
What is Replication?
The process of repeating an experiment multiple times to ensure the results are consistent and reliable.
What is Repetition?
Conducting multiple trials within a single experiment to increase the reliability of the data.
What is Bias?
A tendency to favor a particular outcome or interpretation, which can affect the design, data collection, or analysis of an investigation.
What is Validity?
The extent to which an investigation measures what it is supposed to measure and the results accurately reflect the phenomenon being studied.
What is Reliability?
The consistency and repeatability of experimental results. A reliable experiment produces similar results when repeated under the same conditions.
