Scientific Method
Variables
Observation vs. Inference
Variables II
100

The steps of the scientific method.

1. State problem 2. Research Topic 3. Form a Hypothesis 4. Test Hypothesis 5. Make Observations/Data 6. Analyze Data 7. Form a Conclusion

100
Define the word "variable"
Anything in the experiment that can change.
100
What is an inference?
Using your observations to make a guess about an object or an outcome.
100
When Mr. Han use more force to throw the ball, the ball traveled further across the room. What is the independent variable? What is the dependent variable?
IV- amount of force DV- distance ball move
200

Scientists do this to test a hypothesis

What is perform an experiment?

200
What is an independent variable?
The variable in the experiment that you change to test.
200
This surface feels slippery. Is this statement an observation or an inference? Why?
Observation, you are using your sense of touch to get information.
200
When Mr. Han use more force to throw the ball, the ball traveled further across the room. List two control variable for that situation.
style of throw type of ball location point of release
300

When you make an observation

What is use your senses to collect information?

300
What is a dependent variable?
The dependent variable is the variable that responds to the independent variable.
300
This footprint was made by a dinosaur. Is this statement an observation or an inference?
Inference, you are guessing its a dinosaur that made the footprint.
300
When John increases the amount of time to study, usually his test scores increase as well. What is the independent variable? What is the dependent variable?
IV- amount of study time DV- test score
400
What's the difference between quantitative and qualitative observation? Give example of both.
QNT- observation using numbers, QL- observation without using numbers.
400
What type of variable represents "cause" and what type of variable represents "effect"?
Independent Variable (cause) -------> Dependent Variable (effect)
400
Mr. Han came into class looking all wet. The students thought that he got caught in the rain and ran instead of walked to school. What part of this statement is an observation and what part is an inference? Explain.
Observation- "Mr. Han came into class looking all wet." Inference- "The students thought that he got caught in the rain and ran instead of walked to school."
400
Mr. Han thinks that the "Quantum" Duracell battery has more energy than the regular Duracell battery. He wants to test out his hypothesis by doing the following experiment. He will use one new "Quantum" battery to power a flashlight and a old regular battery to power a clock. He leaves the flashlight and clock on until it turns itself off. He will record the time. Is this experiment considered a controlled experiment? Explain.
It is not a controlled experiment because there is more than one independent variable.
500
There are 1126 students in MS 74. Ouantitative or qualitative observation? Why?
Quantitative observation because describe something using numbers to quantify.
500
What makes an experiment considered a controlled experiment?
The experiment has one independent variable (cause), one dependent variable (effect) and the rest are control variables.
500
When can you use observation in the Scientific Method? When can you use inference in the Scientific Method?
Observation- Research, Perform an Experiment, Analyzing Data Inference- Form hypothesis, Form conclusion
500
Mr. Han thinks that the "Quantum" Duracell battery has more energy than the regular Duracell battery. He wants to test out his hypothesis by doing the following experiment. He will use one new "Quantum" battery to power a flashlight and a old regular battery to power a clock. He leaves the flashlight and clock on until it turns itself off. He will record the time. How can you make this experiment into a control experiment?
Both batteries are new. Both batteries being used with the same device. Only thing that changes is the type of battery.
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