Terms
What is an inference?
Inference: guesses based on evidence, observations, and prior knowledge
What is an Observation?
Observation: things that can be clearly identified, data (direct or indirect)
What is a independent variable?
Independent Variable: The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher.
Should we process data?
yes
Which SI or metric unit would be most appropriate for Sam to report the change in mass?
kilograms (kg)
What is a belief?
Belief: A statement that is not scientifically provable in the same way as facts, laws, hypotheses or theories. Scientifically disproven beliefs can still be held to be true.
What is evidence?
Evidence: Interpretation of data/ observation that supports or refutes a claim, the more the better
What is a dependent variable?
Dependent Variable: The variable that responds to the independent variable. The dependent variable is the one being measured in the experiment. Also known as the dependent measure or responding variable.
How can we process data?
mean, percentage, deviations
Which sources would likely contain the most unbiased (non prejudiced) scientific information?
Peer reviewed
credible
multiple scientists
What is a fact?
What is a null hypothesis?
Null Hypothesis: The "no difference" or "no effect" hypothesis, which predicts the treatment will not have an effect on the subject. The null hypothesis is useful because it is easier to assess with a statistical analysis than other forms of a hypothesis.
What is a control variable?
Control Variable: Any variable that does not change during an experiment. Also known as a constant variable.
What are the parts and labels of the graph?
x: IV
y: DV
title, legend
graph type correct (bar, line..)
How do you calculate mean/average?
add up all groups and divide by the total number of groups
(practiced with germs per cm^2)
What is scientific theory?
Theory: A theory is an explanation of a set of related observations or events based upon proven hypotheses and verified multiple times by separate groups of researchers. **One scientist cannot create a theory; she can only create a hypothesis. In general, both a scientific theory and a scientific law are: 1. accepted to be true by the scientific community 2. are used to make predictions of events 3. are used to advance technology The biggest difference between a law and a theory is that a theory is much more complex and changing. A law describes a single action, whereas a theory explains an entire group of related actions.
What is qualitative data?
Overview:
Deals with descriptions.
Data can be observed but not measured.
Colors, textures, smells, tastes, appearance, beauty, etc.
Qualitative → Quality
What are the experimental groups?
Experimental Group:
Test subjects randomly assigned to receive the experimental treatment.
What should your claim and evidence be?
Claim: Whether or not the null hypothesis is supported by the results.
Evidence: Processed data and graph
What is sample size and is it better to have a large or small sample?
Number of objects tested per experiemntal/control group.
Large is better
What is scientific law?
Scientific Law: This is a statement of fact meant to describe an action or set of actions. It is generally accepted to be true and universal, and can sometimes be expressed in terms of a single mathematical equation. They are accepted at face value based upon the fact that they have always been observed to be true. Specifically, scientific laws must be simple, true, universal, and absolute. They represent the cornerstone of scientific discovery, because if a law ever did not apply, then all science based upon that law would collapse.
What is quantitative data?
Overview:
Deals with numbers.
Data which can be measured.
Length, height, area, volume, weight, speed, time, temperature, humidity, sound levels, cost, members, ages, etc.
Quantitative → Quantity
What is a control group?
Control Group:
Test subjects randomly assigned to not receive the experimental treatment.
What should be included in your reasoning/ conclusion?
explanation of how evidence supports claim
observations
possible errors
what could have been done differently
future experimentation
If you were to graph data as a line graph, what data would you plot?
the label for x (IV) and y (DV) axis
the title
would put regular interval on the lines and plot processed data
then finally would connect the processed data with a line