The Scientific Method

scientific method steps

1. observation 2. hypothesis 3. prediction 4. experiment 5. data collection and analysis 6. conclusion

testable hypothesis

a hypothesis that answers a question and is testable in the natural world

constants

a variable that stays the same throughout an experiment

conclusion

after the data has been analyzed, the data and conclusions are communicated to scientific peers and to the public.

theory

an explanation for some phenomenon that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning; that is supported by a large quantity of evidence that does not conflict with any existing experimental results or observations

testable question

is a question that can be answered by designing and conducting an experiment

data table

list of statistics

data collection and analysis

once the experiment has been concluded, the data are analyzed and used to draw conclusions

graph

physical representation of data

scientific method

science is characterized by an organized approach, a series of steps followed to solve problems including collecting data, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, and stating conclusions.

peer review

the process in which experts in a given field examine the results and conclusions of a scientists study before that study is accepted for publication

prediction

a statement that forecasts what would happen in a test situation if the hypothesis were true

control group

in an experiment, a group that serves as a standard of comparison with another group to which the control group is identical except for one factor

dependent variable

in an experiment, the factor that changes as a result of manipulation of one or more other factors. also called responding variable

independent variable

in an experiment, the factor that is deliberately manipulated, also called manipulated variable

bias

prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another usually in a way that is considered to be unfair.

observation

the act of perceiving a natural occurrence that causes someone to pose a question

experiment

used to test a hypothesis and its predictions

hypothesis

a proposed explanation for the way a particular aspect of the world functions

data

facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis