Observations and Variables

Front

What does making an observation involve?

Back

Using your five senses to gather information.

Front

What is a qualitative observation?

Back

Focus on non-numerical data that you observe with your senses.

Front

What is a quantitative observation?

Back

Focus on numerical data that you measure.

Front

What is an inference?

Back

A logical conclusion made using prior knowledge and observations.

Front

How do observations differ from inferences?

Back

Observations are facts gathered using senses, while inferences are explanations or interpretations based on those observations.

Front

Give an example of a qualitative observation.

Back

The sky is blue, or the apple tastes sweet.

Front

Give an example of a quantitative observation.

Back

The plant is 15 cm tall, or there are 8 birds in the tree.

Front

What is a variable?

Back

Any factor that can be controlled, changed, or measured in an experiment

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

The variable that YOU intentionally change in an experiment.

The “cause”

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

The variable that is observed and measured; the result.

The “effect”