unit 1 Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is the main purpose of scientific investigations?
To find answers to questions about the natural world
Investigations help scientists understand and explain phenomena.
What are the three types of investigations scientists conduct?
Descriptive, comparative, experimental
Each type is suited to different research questions.
What characterizes descriptive investigations?
Collecting data and recording observations without making comparisons
These investigations focus on describing characteristics or phenomena.
What is the focus of comparative investigations?
Collecting data with manipulated variables to compare results
This type aims to identify differences between groups or conditions.
How do experimental investigations differ from comparative investigations?
They identify a control in addition to manipulating variables
Experimental investigations provide a baseline for comparison.
Fill in the blank: Descriptive investigations involve collecting data and recording observations without making _______.
comparisons
This approach is purely observational.
True or False: Experimental investigations do not require a control group.
False
A control group is essential for understanding the effects of manipulated variables.
What is a control in an experimental investigation?
A standard for comparison that is not subjected to the experimental treatment
Controls help isolate the effects of the independent variable.
What is the first step in the scientific method?
State the problem
This involves identifying a specific issue or question that needs to be addressed.
What follows after stating the problem in the scientific method?
Gather information
This includes researching existing knowledge related to the problem.
What is a hypothesis?
A proposed explanation for a phenomenon
It is a testable statement that predicts the outcome of an experiment.
What is the process of testing a hypothesis called?
Experimentation
This involves conducting experiments to gather data that will support or refute the hypothesis.
What is done after testing the hypothesis?
Analyze data
This step involves reviewing the results from the experiments to determine their significance.
What is the final step in the scientific method?
Draw conclusions
Conclusions summarize the findings and indicate whether the hypothesis was supported or not.
If the hypothesis is supported, what should be done next?
Repeat the experiment
This helps to verify results and ensure reliability.
If the hypothesis is not supported, what action should be taken?
Modify the hypothesis
This involves refining the hypothesis based on the data gathered.
True or False: The scientific method is a linear process that cannot be repeated.
False
The scientific method is iterative, allowing for repeated testing and refinement.
Fill in the blank: The series of procedures used in the scientific method is often referred to as a _______.
process
The scientific method consists of various steps that can be adapted based on the specific investigation.
What is an experimental investigation?
An investigation that tests the effect of one variable on another, using a control.
What must a hypothesis be capable of?
Being supported or not supported by observational evidence.
What does a hypothesis involve?
A tentative and testable statement.
In an experimental investigation, what happens to some variables?
Some variables are manipulated while others remain constant.
What are the two types of investigations besides experimental investigations?
Descriptive investigations and comparative investigations.
What is a comparative investigation?
An investigation that involves observing, measuring, and comparing the physical properties of organic compounds.
