Scientific Method Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is an Observation
What is seen or measured
What is an Inference
A conclusion based on an observation or evidence
What is a Hypothesis
A prediction based on available evidence ( if - then statement )
What is a Theory
An explanation of natural events that is supported by strong evidence
What is a Misconception
“Theories are things that are opinion, or are not proven.” This is an incorrect use of the word “theory” in a scientific context. A scientific theory is NOT a simple guess or conjecture, and IS strongly supported by evidence
What is a controlled experiment
Compares the results of an experiment between two or more groups
What is an experimental group
Group being tested or receiving treatment
What is a control group
“Normal” group. Should be identical to experimental group in every way except one : it does NOT receive the new treatment
What is a placebo
A sugar pill or other “fake” treatment given to the control group
What is an independent variable
Variable that is being tested (The “If” part of an “If-Then” hypothesis). Always plotted on the X-axis.
What is a dependent variable
Variable that is measured at the end of an experiment; the results. Always plotted on the Y-axis.
List the characteristics of a good experiment
-Can be repeated the same way and get the same results
-Have large sample size/many test subjects
-Are performed for longer periods of time
-Test only one independent variable
-Are peer reviewed
-Must test the hypothesis and show whether it is wrong or right
-Is objective: the experiment and conclusion are fair and unbiased. Fact and opinion are not mixed
What are data tables used for
Used to organize data which will be plotted in a graph
