Chapter 1.3 Scientific Method

Scientific Law

A concise statement that summarizes the results of many observations and experiments

Theory

A general explanation for the observations made by many scientists working in different areas of research.

Hypothesis

A scientific explanation for a set of observations that can be tested in ways that support or reject it.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach used in scientific study that typically includes observation, a hypothesis, experiments, data analysis, and a conclusion

Dependent Variable

Any changes in it depend on changes made to the independent variable.

Qualitative Data

Information describing color, odor, shape, or some other physical characteristic.

Independent Variable

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied

Quantitative Data

numerical information describing how much, how little, how big, how tall, how fast, etc.