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