Scientific Method Study Guide

Question 1

What are the steps in the Scientific Method?

Answer 1

1: Observation
2: Forming Hypothesis
3: Testing Hypothesis
4: Analyzing Data
5: Evaluation
6: Retest

Question 1

Observation (First step)

Answer 1

Observation means using one or more of the senses (5) to describe objects/events, or an assumption. They raise questions.

Question 2

Forming a Hypothesis (Second step)

Answer 2

Explanation that might be true
A general statement that explains the observations
Preliminary conclusions
Ideas on “trial”
Can be tested

Question 3

Testing Hypothesis (Third step)

Answer 3

To design an experiment to test the hypothesis
Control & Experimental Group
Independent & Dependent Variable
Quantitative Data & Qualitative Data

Question 4

Analyzing Data (Fourth step)

Answer 4

Based on your data, is your hypothesis right or wrong?
Model: explanation supported by the data

Question 5

Evaluating Results (Fifth step)

Answer 5

Beware of bias when analyzing data
Bias: based on beliefs rather than observations
Personal influence on a judgment

Question 6

Retesting (Sixth step)

Answer 6

If the hypothesis is wrong, create a new hypothesis
If the hypothesis is right, repeat the experiment again
Theory
Comprehensive statement of what is thought to be true
Formed after many hypotheses have been tested and supported

Question 7

Quantitative & Qualitative Data

Answer 7

Quantitative Data
Precise measurements or “numbers”
Qualitative Data
Identification of materials or process
“word descriptions”

Question 8

Independent & Dependent Variable

Answer 8

Independent variable:
The one factor that changed between the control and experimental groups
Dependent variable:
The one factor that is measured throughout the experiment

Question 9

Control & Experimental Group

Answer 9

The control (normal) group and experimental group are investigated under identical conditions except for one factor that is changed