220 likes | 339 Views
Scientific Method. There is no single scientific method, but most contain these basic steps:. 1. Observation: recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence . 2. State a problem in a Question Format. 3. Hypothesis: an explanation for a question or a problem that can be formally tested.
E N D
There is no single scientific method, but most contain these basic steps:
3. Hypothesis: an explanation for a question or a problem that can be formally tested.
4. Experiment: tentative procedure or policy
5. Analyze & Interpret Data: to explain or tell the meaning of - present in understandable terms
6. Conclusion: a final summation
I. Observations must be accurate, free of bias, & recorded.
2 Types • Qualitative: non-numerical observations B. Quantitative: numerical observations
II. A hypothesis is: a testable explanation for a question or problem and is based on logic, observations, andresearch
III. Experimentation A. Controlled- an experiment in which all variables are the same except the one being tested B. Independent variable: the variable being tested; in a controlled experiment, only this changes
Quiz Numerical Data is • Qualitative • Quantitative
C. Dependent variable: any change that results from manipulation of the independent variable D. Experimental Group: the group in which the independent variable is changed
E. Control Group: the group in which all the variables remain the same, including the independent variable
IV. Good design features: - well planned, detailed - only 1 variable /Constants - collect data at regular intervals - large sample size - use metrics for quantitative data - repeatable
V. Interpreting & Analyzing Data A. Graphs: 1. Line graph: data for the independent variable is placed on the horizontal, or x-axis, and data for the dependent variable are plotted on the vertical, or y-axis.
2. Bar graph: Use bars instead of data points to plot the data and are a good way to show comparisons among groups when data are not dependent on one another. 3. Pie graph: show which percentage, out of 100, a specific piece of information represents
VI. Conclusion describes if the data collected supports the hypothesis
VII. Scientific Theory time- tested major hypothesis that explains an aspect of nature
VIII. Scientific Law a principle that describes an aspect of nature
IX. Inference logical interpretation based on prior knowledge and experience