Concepts
What is the scientific method?
The process used by scientists to investigate and generate new knowledge.
Provide an example of an independent variable
In a plant experiment, the amount of water provided.
What’s the difference between independent and dependent variables?
Independent variables are manipulated to test their effect on dependent variables, which are measured.
What skills are needed to formulate a hypothesis?
Creativity and Logical reasoining
A plant grows taller with more sunlight. What could be the independent variable?
Sunlight exposure.
What is a hypothesis?
A testable statement or prediction about the relationship between variables.
What is the dependent variable in an experiment where you measure plant height?
The height of the plant.
What are controlled variables (constants) in a plant growth experiment?
Factors like soil type, water source, or plant species that should remain constant.
How can a hypothesis be tested?
By conducting experiments and collecting data to verify or falsify the hypothesis.
A scientist is testing if caffeine affects sleep. What could be a reasonable hypothesis for the experiment?
"Caffeine consumption reduces the quality of sleep."
Define "Independent Variable"
A variable you manipulate to see its effect on another variable. It's the "cause" in a cause-effect relationship.
Give an example of a confounding/Undetermined variable in a study on plant growth.
Temperature, humidity, or soil quality.
What is the role of a controlled variable?
To ensure the experiment tests the effect of the independent variable alone.
What elements should be included in a good hypothesis statement?
Clear prediction, identification of variables, and an explanation of the relationship.
A researcher is studying the effects of noise on concentration. What are some potential undetermined variables?
The time of day, individual differences in sensitivity to noise.
Why is it important to have a hypothesis before an experiment?
Hypotheses provide a clear direction for testing and data collection.
Build a hypothesis for an experiment about music affecting productivity
Example: "Listening to classical music increases productivity in office workers."
What is an undetermined variable and why should it be identified?
Variables that may affect the outcome but are not yet accounted for. Theycan introduce noise or error.
How can you improve a hypothesis based on initial experimental results?
By revising the hypothesis if the original one doesn’t fit the data, making it more specific or focused.
If you were studying the effect of social media on teenagers' attention spans, what hypothesis could you create?
"Increased time spent on social media decreases teenagers’ attention spans."
What is the difference between a law and a theory in science?
A theory is a broad explanation based on evidence, while a law describes a consistent phenomenon.
What are the caracteristics of a good Hypothesis?
A good hypothesis must be specific, measurable, and capable of being proven false through experimentation.
How do you control for biases when validating a hypothesis?
By designing a fair experiment, controlling variables, and eliminating subjective influences.
How do you ensure your hypothesis is measurable?
By defining specific variables and outcomes that can be quantitatively or qualitatively measured.
If a hypothesis states that more sleep improves memory, how can we test this hypothesis?
Design a controlled experiment with consistent sleep times, measuring memory performance, and controlling for confounding factors like stress or caffeine intake.