Scientific Method
What is the FIRST step to the scientific method?
Observation - We notice something about the world using our senses
Observations that deal with numbers or amounts
To make decisions and draw conclusions based on personal feelings, opinions, values, or tastes ... What is it called?
Subjective reasoning
What variable is observed for changes?
Dependent variable
Response variable
_______ is the evidence gathered through qualitative or quantitative observation
Data
What is the 7th step to the Scientific Method?
Communication !
What is Qualitative Data?
Observations that deal with descriptions
What is the philosophy that deals with questions about what is morally right and wrong, good and bad, just and unjust.
Ethics
What is the variable that is deliberately changed?
Independent variable
Manipulated variable
List 4 ways scientists can share their findings
Academic Journals ! **
Independent publication
Present at conferences
News
Online / Social media
When must you make a hypothesis? Why?
must be made BEFORE any data is collected- otherwise it would not be a true prediction
What is inferring?
Inferring is when you explain or interpret the things you observe.
Inferences are based on logical reasoning and the information you already know.
Inferences may also be based on assumptions you make about your observations.
What two scientific attitudes need to be balanced?
Open-mindedness and skepticism
What is the goal of experimental design?
To ensure that the experiment is fair, systematic, and capable of providing clear, reliable data.
_______ is a statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions
A Scientific LAW
What is a hypothesis ?
A hypothesis is a SPECIFIC and TESTABLE statement that predicts what may happen in an experiment.
Explain the difference between an INFERENCE and a PREDICTION
Inference: Attempt to explain what is happening or has happened (PRESENT and PAST)
Prediction: Attempt to explain what will happen (FUTURE)
What is objective reasoning?
make decisions and draw conclusions based on available EVIDENCE
What are three ways to improve experimental design ?
increase sample size
replication
randomization
control groups
control for bias/confounding variables
Statistics
What is a scientific theory?
A theory explains WHY something happens.
A well tested explanation for a wide range of observations and experimental results
What are the 6 steps to the scientific method?
Observation
Question
Hypothesis
Experiment
Analysis
Conclusion
What is a Scientific Model? Describe their purpose and give an example of one
A tool used to make representations of complex ideas or processes. Models help visualize information that may otherwise he difficult to explain or digest...
What are the three types of bias that can influence a scientific study? Describe each of them
Bias refers to a systematic error or distortion in data collection, analysis, interpretation, or presentation that skews results away from an accurate or objective representation.
Personal bias: ones own likes and dislikes
Cultural bias: the context in which one grew up
Experimental bias- poor experimental design that makes a particular outcome more likely
What is a controlled experiment ?
What is the benefit of doing one?
An experiment in which only ONE variable is manipulated, while all other variables/conditions remain constant across samples.
This type of experiment allows scientists to isolate what variable is responsible for the results observed.
What is Peer review ?
process where other anonymous experts/scientists are able to review a study for possible sources of error like bias, poor data interpretation, and faulty conclusions BEFORE a study is published in an academic journal