Steps of the Scientific Method
What is the first step in the Scientific Method?
OBSERVATION
Which part of the lab report explains why you’re doing the experiment?
Introduction
What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?
To serve as a standard for comparison against the experimental group.
What type of observation involves numbers and measurements?
Quantitative observation.
Which section of a lab report states what you are trying to find out or prove?
Aim
What step comes after forming a hypothesis?
METHOD/DATA COLLECTION
Where do you write down the step-by-step instructions for your experiment?
Method/Procedure
What term is used for the factor that is changed or tested in an experiment?
Independent variable.
If you say "The solution turned blue," is that a qualitative or quantitative observation?
Qualitative observation.
In which part of the lab report would you list the tools and items you used during the experiment?
Materials and Apparatus.
What do you call a prediction you make before starting an experiment based on what you already know?
A hypothesis
Which section includes charts, tables, and graphs?
Results
In which part of a lab report would you explain possible reasons why your results were unexpected?
Discussion.
Measuring the temperature of water in °C is an example of what type of observation?
Quantitative observation.
Where in the lab report do you explain the steps taken to perform the experiment?
Procedure.
What steps are involved in deciding if your hypothesis was correct?
Analyze data and draw a conclusion
Where do you state whether your hypothesis was correct or not?
Conclusion
What is the factor that you measure?
Dependent variable
Which type of observation would describe the texture of a material as rough or smooth?
Qualitative observation.
Which section summarizes the outcomes and what was learned from the experiment?
Conclusion
What should you do after you finish your experiment and conclusion?
Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure.
Which part of a lab report lists the materials you used?
Materials/Equipment list
What is a factor that must be kept the same?
Constant / Controlled variable
True or False — “There are 12 apples on the table” is a qualitative observation.
False. (It’s quantitative.)
Which part of the lab report identifies possible mistakes or issues that could have affected the results?
Sources of Error.