Vocabulary
Descriptive information gathered in an experiment.
What is qualitative data?
During an experiment this ensures that the conclusion measures the effect of only ONE independent variable.
What is the importance of identifying one independent variable, a measurable dependent variable, and controlled variables in a valid experiment?
Another experimenter follows the same instructional design as the original experiment and the results from both experimenters are compared to determine if more testing is needed.
What is replication?
Hypotheses are valuable- even if yours was not supported by data because it provides you with an alternative explanation for a concept.
The information gathered from an experiment that was not supported by data leads the experimenter to future investigations and research questions.
What is why hypotheses are valuable- even when not supported by evidence?
Provides a comparison for your experimental group. This group does not receive the independent variable.
What is a controlled group?
The group that receives the experimental treatment
What is a test group?
To ensure that only one variable is tested. Also that the experiment has repetition and can be replicated.
What are changes to an invalid experimental design that will make an experiment and its conclusions valid?
Empirical evidence that is obtained in an controlled experiment to either support or not support the hypothesis
What is evidence?
A logical statement about what will happen if the hypothesis is supported.
What is prediction?
Repeated trials ensure that there is enough data to support your conclusions.
What is repetition?
A procedure designed to test a hypothesis under controlled conditions.
What is an experiment?
Scientific investigations do not involve controlling variables. They involve many different scientific methods and include quantitative and/or qualitative observations.
Conclusions are valid if based upon evidence.
What is the difference between an experiment and an investigation and explain why both can provide valid conclusions?
Data that is collected and measured as a result of changing the independent variable in your experimental design.
What is a dependent variable?
During an experiment one should identify the independent variable (what is tested (1)), dependent variable (results), and control variables (factors that are the same in both test groups) to ensure a valid experiment
What is the ability to critique an experimental design in order to discover errors in that experimental design?
Numerical information gathered in an experiment.
What is quantitative data?
All other factors other than the tested or outcome variables that are not changed.
What is a controlled variable?
Page 54 answer #25, 26, 27 and 35
What is?
A predicted outcome to an investigation based on initial observations, research and prior knowledge. A testable idea or explanation that leads to a scientific investigation?
What is a hypothesis?
Hypothesis are educated guess that an experimenter makes. T / F
What is False, an Experimenter based their hypotheses on prior observations, background knowledge, and preliminary research. Scientists never “guess”.
A statement based on on experimental measurements and observations. Includes the results where the results supported or did not support the hypothesis
What is a conclusion?
The variable that the experimenter changes, or manipulates when they design the experiment.
What is independent variable?
Data must be organized and collected in data tables. The data should be graphed in order to look for patterns and relationships.
What is to make sense of the data and to allow peer review or peer replication?
A piece of information we gather using our senses- hearing, sight, smell, and touch. The information can take many forms including descriptions, drawings, photographs, and measurements
What is an observation?
Scientific experiments are tightly controlled and utilize variables to ensure the accuracy of the conclusion.
What is why errors in an experimental design will result in invalid data?
Scientific investigations do not involve controlling variables. They involve many different scientific methods and include quantitative and/or qualitative observations.
Although experiments use different methods, the conclusions are valid if based upon evidence.
What is investigation?