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Scientific Method
Variables
Observation vs. Inference
Variables II
100
What are the steps of the scientific method?
1. State problem 2. Research Topic 3. Form Hypothesis 4. Test Hypothesis 5. Analyze Data 6. Form 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 Nykasha uses 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
What do scientist do to test a hypothesis?
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 Chris use more force to throw the ball, the ball traveled further across the room. List two control variables for that situation.

style of throw type of ball location point of release

300
What do you do when you make an observation?
use your sense 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 Jacoby increases the amount of time he studies, 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

Ken 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.

"Ken 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

Dr. Smith thinks that the "Quantum" Duracell battery has more energy than the regular Duracell battery. She wants to test out his hypothesis by doing the following experiment. She will use one new "Quantum" battery to power a flashlight and a old regular battery to power a clock. She leaves the flashlight and clock on until it turns itself off. She 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 400 students in LECHS. 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

Dr. Smith thinks that the "Quantum" Duracell battery has more energy than the regular Duracell battery. She wants to test out his hypothesis by doing the following experiment. She will use one new "Quantum" battery to power a flashlight and a old regular battery to power a clock. She leaves the flashlight and clock on until it turns itself off. She 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.