Definitions
Experimental Variable
An aspect of an experiment that changes during the course of the experiment
Should the experiment with the nutritional bars be blind, double-blind, or neither?
double blind.
What is the independent variable in the "lead" example?
The thickness of the lead.
What was the main goal of the alchemists?
To turn lead or other inexpensive materials into gold or other expensive materials.
Control (of an experiment)
The variable or part of the experiment to which all others will be compared.
Name 2 experimental variables from the dishwasher story.
The dishwasher used
The dirtiness of the glasses
The time spent in the washer
Others
What is the dependent variable in the "lead" example?
The Radiation level.
What are the steps in the scientific method?
1. Observation
2. Hypothesis
3. Experiment
4. Analysis
Blind Experiment
Experiments in which the participants do not know whether or not they are a part of the control group.
Is the data collected in the dishwasher story subjective or objective? Explain.
Subjective.
What is the radiation level that the detector sees when NO LEAD is used to block the radiation?
About 180 cps
What is a counter-example?
A statement/example that contradicts a conclusion.
Double-Blind Experiment
Experiments in which neither the participants nor the people analyzing the results know who is in the control group.
Name an experimental variable that should be reduced or eliminated in the dishwasher story.
The dirtiness of the glasses
The cleanliness of the dishwasher
Others
You are designing a shield made of lead for a lab, but your budget is tight. You want as much protection from the radiation as possible, but don't want to buy any more lead than is necessary. How many millimeters of lead should you use in your shielding?
4mm
Why is the invention of papyrus significant to the history of science?
Because it allowed records to be kept and easily communicated and transported to other parts of the world.
Dependent Variable
The variable being tested and measured in an experiment
What experimental variable will you learn something from in the dishwasher story?
The additive used.
What is the difference between subjective and objective data?
Subjective data is based off of a person's opinion, objective data is a specific value and cannot be changed by someone's opinion.
What are the three limitations of science?
1. Cannot prove anything true
2. Not 100% reliable
3. Must conform to the scientific method