Scientific Method Review v22

Scientific Method

Principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses. -

Merriam-Webster

Scientific Method

• State the Problem/Question

• Gather Information/Research

• Form a hypothesis- a possible explanation to a problem/question

• Test the hypothesis- experiment

• Analyze data

• Draw Conclusions

What's an Inference?

An inference is a logical conclusion based on previous experiences, observations, and knowledge.

It is an educated guess. Inferences can lead us to a hypothesis.

Multiple Choice

What inference can be made from the picture?

• The dog and its owner are going to bed.

• The dog is going to take a bath.

• The dog and its owner are going for a walk.

• The dog has fleas.

Making Inferences

Similar to a hypothesis, an inference is an informed guess about science or scientific relationships. Inferences are based on real, observed evidence but are still just guesses about the true relationship that exists.

Multiple Choice

What inference could be made about this picture?

• The child is wearing mostly red

• The child is cold

• The child will play in the snow

Inference Vs. Hypothesis

An inference is a conclusion based on observation.

A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction about something that hasn't happened yet.

Multiple Choice

Information gathered using your 5 senses is called an ...

• Observation

• Inference

Multiple Choice

Is the following statement an inference or observation.

The container is filled to the 350 mL mark.

• Observation

• Inference

Multiple Choice

There is a lot of red in the painting so I think the artist was mad.

The preceding statement is an example of an...

• Qualitative Observation

• Hypothesis

• Inference

• Quantitative Observation

Qualitative Observations

descriptive observations made with our senses of sight, taste, hearing, smell, and touch

Quantative Observations

• objective method of data analysis that measures research variables using numerical and statistical parameters.

Multiple Choice

Your teacher has asked you to explain the difference between quantitative and qualitative observations. Which statement is correct?

• Quantitative observations use numbers, qualitative uses the senses.

• Quantitative observations use the senses, qualitative uses numbers.

• Quantitative observations use measurement, qualitative uses numbers.

• Quantitative observations use colors, qualitative uses the senses.

Multiple Choice

Which observation is quantitative?

• It is 5 cm long

• It is smooth

• It looks red

• It is dry

Multiple Choice

The clouds are grey and ground is wet, is an example of a ___________ observation.

• qualitative

• quantitative

3 Typed of Variables

A variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. An experiment usually has three kinds of variables: independent, dependent, and controlled.

Multiple Choice

An experiment is performed on plants to see how different liquids affect plant growth. Each plant in the experiment is given a different liquid; water, apple juice, or milk. Each plant has the same amount of soil, sunlight, and listens to the same music. In this investigation, the independent variable is ...

• The type of plant

• The amount of sunlight

• The type of music

• The type of liquid

Multiple Choice

If you increase the amount of spinach you eat, then you will increase the iron in your blood.

What's the dependent variable?

• increase the amount of iron in your blood

• spinach you eat

Multiple Choice

If I ride my bike to school instead of walking, then I will get to school faster. What is the dependent variable?

• True

• How fast you get to school

• Riding a bike or walking

• False

Multiple Choice

This variable in an experiment is the one being deliberately changed by the scientist. 

• dependent variable
• independent variable
• data
• control group

Multiple Choice

Dependent variable is...

• what the scientist changes in the experiment.

• an educated guess based on observations.

• a conclusion based on observations.

• the the effect or outcome measured during the experiment.

Multiple Choice

The factor that the experimenter has full control over and changes to see what happens is called the ...

• Dependent Variable

• Independent Variable

• Control group

• Hypothesis

Steps 5 & 6

After the experiments are concluded, the results are analyzed and conclusions made and shared with the scientific community.