Unit 1 Vocabulary Flashcards

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Independent variable

Back

This is the variable changed by the scientist. The independent variable is changing, different, and varies. There is almost always only 1 IV per experiment. This is so we know what is causing the change in our data. Independent variable is usually graphed on the X-axis.

Front

Dependent variable

Back

The Dependent variable is the variable that is measured in the experiment. It changes in response to the Independent variable this is usually graphed on the Y-axis

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Control variables

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The controlled variable is kept the same for the entire duration of the experiment, they are kept the same to not influence the outcome of the experiment

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Experimental group

Back

A set of subjects or samples that receives the specific treatment or condition being tested in a controlled experiment

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Control group

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A Control group is like the "normal" team in a science experiment. It is the group that scientest don't change anything for and they leave it just the way it is. That way they can compare it to the Experimental group and see if changes were really caused.

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Null hypothesis

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The null hypothesis is an assumption that states there is NO significant difference between two variables and that controlling one variable has no effect on the other. An example of a null hypothesis being, "Plant growth is NOT AFFECTED by light color".

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Low standard deviation

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The data points in a sample are clustered closely around the mean, indicating low variability or high consistency within the data set.

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Error bars overlap

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If error bars overlap, it is saying they bars are statistically the same.

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Error bars do not overlap

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If error bars do not overlap, the means are statistically different between the two graphs.

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Element

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A substance that cannot be broken down into other substances by chemical reaction.