Biology: LAP1-1a
Where does the independent variable and dependent variable go on a graph?
The independent variable belongs on the x-axis (horizontal line) of the graph and the dependent variable belongs on the y-axis (vertical line).
Describe bias
Biased is personal rather than scientific
How should a scientific experiment be run?
A good experiment is one that is: interesting, important, organized, valid, and repeatable
What is a constant in an experiment?
A constant in an experiment is something that stays the same
How can a graph of data be more informative than a table of the same data?
A graph provides a visual informational view instead of simply numbers on a table.
Define scientific theory
A scientific theory is a carefully thought-out explanation for observations of the natural world that has been constructed using the scientific method, and which brings together many facts and hypotheses. ... A scientist makes an observation of a natural phenomenon.
Describe the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law.
A scientific theory is based on well-tested observations. Scientific laws are based on proven facts
How does an observation about an object differ from an inference about that object?
An observation is what you actually see happening. An inference is the conclusions you draw from that observation.
What is the scientific method?
The Scientific Method is the process or steps scientists use when doing an experiment.
Define and compare observation, inference, and hypothesis
Observation: the act of recognizing or noting a fact or occurrence; or the record obtained by such an act. Inference: a conclusion derived from observations. Hypothesis: a proposed explanation or interpretation that can be tested by further investigation.
Describe good lab behavior
Paying attention, being responsible, reading the material ahead of time, no food or drink allowed, working with the lab instructor.
What is the difference between qualitive data and quantitative data?
Qualitive data is descriptive and quantitive data is numerical.
What are the steps of the scientific method?
Steps of the scientific method are observations, topic area, hypothesis, testing the experiment, analyze data, and making conclusions.
Why does it make sense for scientists to test just one variable at a time in an experiment?
Testing only one variable at a time lets you analyze the results of your experiment to see how much a single change affected the result. If you're testing two variables at a time, you won't be able to tell which variable was responsible for the result.
What is the difference between the independent and dependent variables? Where do they go on a graph?
The independent variable is the variable the experimenter manipulates or changes and is assumed to have a direct effect on the dependent variable. ... The dependent variable is the variable being tested and measured in an experiment and is 'dependent on the independent variable.
What are the characteristics of a good scientist?
curiosity, skepticism, open-mindedness, and creativity
