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Scientific Method

TermDefinition
Analysis The breakdown of something that is complex into smaller parts in such a way that leads to a better understanding of the whole.
Control Group The group or subject that is used as a standard for comparison in an experiment.
Experimental Group The group or subjects that is included in the experiment. This is the group where the independent variable is applied.
Data Information, measurements and materials gathered from observations that are used to help answer questions.
Experiment A test using observations and controlled variables to discover answers to questions, and/or to check a hypothesis.
Hypothesis An educated guess about the outcome of an experiment based on evidence that is testable.
Inference A logical explanation or conclusion based on observations and/or facts.
Scientific Method A process of critical thinking that uses observations and experiments to investigate testable predictions about the physical universe.
Observation The data collected by using the five senses to learn about objects and events.
Prediction A statement made about the future outcome of an experiment based on past experiences or observations. It is found in the "then" portion of a hypothesis.
Qualitative Data Data that is based on observable characteristics of things or events that can be collected using the five senses. Example: "The juice tastes sweet to me."
Quantitative Data Data that is based on measurable characteristics of things or events such as mass, volume, length, and quantity. Example: "There is one liter of juice in the carton."
Repeated Trials Experimental tests done more than once.
Theory An explanation for generalized patterns in nature that is supported by much evidence based on data collected using scientific methods.
Independent Variable A factor that can be changed or manipulated in an experiment by the scientist; "you change it" variables.
Dependent Variable A factor that responds to changes in other variables in an experiment; "it changed" variables.
Control A variable variables that are held the same or constant for all experimental groups.
Biology The study of life.
Conclusion The conclusion is your determination of whether the hypothesis should be accepted or rejected. It is one of the steps of the scientific method.
Correlation A correlation is a relationship between two variables that can be used to predict the behavior or value of one variable if the other is known. Correlation is not the same as causality. In other words, correlating two variables doesn’t always imply one causes the other.
Error Error is a measure of the difference between a measured or calculated value and a true value.
Fact A fact is a statement based on evidence obtained from direct observation.
Graph A graph is a picture that displays information. Examples of graphs include line graphs and bar graphs. The most common type of graph displays values of the independent and dependent variables.
Law A scientific law is a generalization that describes what one expects to happen in a certain situation. For example, the law of gravity makes it possible to predict an object will fall if it is dropped. Laws can be used to predict behavior, but do not explain it.
Placebo A placebo is a fake treatment that should have no effect, outside of the power of suggestion. Example: In drug trials, test patients may be given a pill containing the drug or a placebo, which resembles the drug (pill, injection, liquid) but doesn’t contain the active ingredient.
Results The results are the explanation or interpretation of experimental data. This includes calculations made from the data.
Theory A theory is a systematic explanation for phenomena, based on testing many hypotheses. Because they are evidence-based, theories are typically accepted by scientists, but they may be modified or discarded if new evidence is presented.
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