Help
Options
Didn't know it?
click below
click below
Knew it?
click below
click below
Don't Know
Remaining cards (0)
Know
retry
shuffle
restart
0:00
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Scientific Method
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| qualitative observations | Observations that are made using our five senses AND can't be easily measured Usually descriptive words/adjectives Ex: The dog is brown with white spots. |
| the five senses (used to make QUALITATIVE OBSERVATIONS) | --sight (seeing) --taste --smell --hearing (listening/sound) --touch |
| quantitative observations | Observations that can be measured with numbers. Ex: The dog is 50 cm long. |
| valid (validity) | Accurate, reasonable, true, logical EX: An experiment will be MOST VALID if there is only ONE INDEPENDENT VARIABLE, a large SAMPLE SIZE (many subjects), and all other factors in the experiment kept CONSTANT (the same) |
| skeptical/skepticism | Doubt Scientists should not trust every conclusion or claim that is made. We must see if it is supported by scientific proof, evidence |
| questions | scientists ask questions based on observations they make about the world around them |
| research | Do research to learn before starting an experiment or if your hypothesis is proved wrong after an experiment. Only use information from RELIABLE sources (ex-scientific journals) Random internet searches often give UNRELIABLE information! |
| bias | An opinion or point of view on a subject |
| unbiased | Objective= no opinion (better for research!) |
| subjects | who or what you are testing/experimenting on |
| sample size | The group of subjects being used in an experiment **The larger the sample size, the better the validity (truthfulness) of the results!** |
| precision | getting results within a very small or close range (even if it was not the expected result) |
| accuracy | how correct something is OR getting results that are correct OR how close it is to intended or expected results |
| control group | A group in an experiment that mimics/shows the natural conditions; it's used for comparison. The control group DOES NOT get the experimental (independent) variable! It may get a PLACEBO |
| placebo | A harmless (inert) substance given to the control group Sometimes a "sugar pill" |
| experimental group | The group that gets/receives the experimental (independent) variable. |
| constant | Things that are kept the same in an experiment |
| data | Information collected while doing an experiment Best to keep data organized: tables, graphs, charts |
| procedure | A set of specific steps that are followed when doing an experiment. The steps should be VERY clear and specific, so that another scientist can easily use the procedure and replicate (redo) the experiment. |
| metric system | Used for quantitative observations/data collections. The metric system uses units that are powers of ten. |
| metric system units for: mass temperature volume length time | UNITS: mass = gram (g) temperature = degrees Celsius volume = liter (l) length = meter (m) time = seconds (sec) |
| independent variable | The variable that YOU (the scientist) are testing or changing. There can only be ONE for every experiment. |
| dependent variable | It changes based on the independent variable |
| Conclusions | Your findings once done with an experiment. After analyzing the data from an experiment, a scientist must ask, “Has my hypothesis been supported?” He or she then might ask, “Is more data needed?” or “Are different procedures needed?” |
| hypothesis | A statement that gives a possible explanation or prediction to an event. Should be a testable statement--it can be proven true or untrue. Often written in "If......, then...." format Ex: IF a plant gets more sunlight, THEN it will grow faster. |
| theory | A general explanation that is believed to be true--it MUST be based on a large amount of data and research in order to be accepted. |
| Scientific method | an organized way for scientists to solve problem |
| Why it is important to have a large sample size in an experiment? | A larger sample size helps to get rid of “outliers:” data that is far outside of the expected results ***YOU CAN USUALLY IMPROVE THE VALIDITY OF AN EXPERIMENT BY INCREASING SAMPLE SIZE!*** |
| Why do you need a CONTROL GROUP? | A control group is used for comparison because it mimics (copies) the natural environment (DOES NOT GET THE EXPERIMENTAL VARIABLE). It is needed to compare the natural results to the results of the experimental group. |
| How is the experimental group treated? | The experimental group gets the experimental (or independent variable) The thing you are testing. |
| How to use a ruler accurately? | Make sure the object being measured is straight ad check the lines carefully. Use cm (centimeter side). Each little line is = to one millimeter (mm) (or 0.1) of a cm. |
| How to use a graduated cylinder accurately? | Figure out the scale of the cylinder. (how much is each line worth?) Always measure from the BOTTOM of the curve (the meniscus) |
| Tips for making a line graph | DO NOT have to start at 0 (zero). Only include the data that is given (if “0” is in your data, then include it) Use a ruler or straight edge to connect points Use a regular (equal) interval on both the x and y axis |
| Tips for making a bar graph or histogram | MUST start at "0 " (zero) Use a ruler or straight edge to make bars Use a regular (equal) interval on both the x and y axis |
Created by:
Mrs. Curcio
Popular Biology sets