Scientific Method

Question 1

Hypothesis

Answer 1

A statement about the relationship between two or more variables
Must be testable
NOT an educated guess; it’s a specific prediction

Question 2

Operational Definition

Answer 2

The exact procedures/description of the experiment- clear, in order to replicate experiment
Ensures results are valid

Question 3

Independent Variable

Answer 3

Variable manipulated by the experimenter

Question 4

Dependent Variable

Answer 4

Measured variable influenced by the independent variable

Question 5

Confounding Variable

Answer 5

Any variable besides the independent variable that could influence the outcome of the experiment (unwanted)

Question 6

Random Selection

Answer 6

Best way to choose participants for any study

Question 7

Random Assignment

Answer 7

Participants in either the experimental group or the control group is the best way to ensure control of interfering variables

Question 8

Control Group

Answer 8

The group in an experiment or study that does not receive treatment by the researchers and is then used as a benchmark to measure how the other tested subjects do.

Question 9

Experimental Group

Answer 9

The group in an experiment that receives the variable being tested.