Ch 1: Science Inquiry & ProcessingVocab

1. Accuracy 2. Bias3. Conclusion4. Control Group5. Data6. Dependent Variable7. Direct Observation8. Experimental Group9. Hypothesis10. Independent Variable11. Indirect Observation

12. Inference13. Law (Scientific)14. Limitations15. Observation16. Procedure17. Science18. Scientific Method19. Technology20. Theory21. Validity22. variable

Concepts in Science

Ch 1 “Science Inquiry & Processing” Notes

Science

• knowledge attained through study or practice

• “Scientia" = Latin for “knowledge”• Branches…– Chemistry – how matter changes– Biology – life – Physics – how matter & energy affect

each other

Theory vs. Law

Scientific Theory• Possible explanation

backed by a lot of evidence supported by many scientists– Ex. Theory of Evolution

Scientific Law• Repeated observation

over time– Ex. Law of Gravity

Scientific Method

1. Ask a Question.2. Research3. Hypothesize4. Experiment5. Record Data6. Analyze Data7. Draw Conclusions8. Report Results

1. Ask a question.

• Ex. “Does listening to classical music improve test scores?”

Independent vs Dependent Variable

Independent Variable• Stands alone!• “Antecedent”

• Ex. Listening to classical music

• Other Exs.– Monetary gift– Distraction

Dependent Variable• “Depends” on other

factors; what you want to change

• “Consequence”

• Ex. Test scores

• Other Exs.– Work production– Driving ability

2. Research

…on internet, books, etc…

• become educated on the background to the question!

• Ex. “A study performed by Harvard shows that classical music will increase test scores because it helps the parts of the brain associated with focus.”

3. Hypothesize.

• EDUCATED theory

• Predict the answer to the question & why

• Ex. “We predict this study will show classical music will increase test scores because the rhythm of the music will enhance focus centers in the brain.”

4. Experiment

…to test the hypothesis.

• Design the experiment’s procedure.

• Variable – anything that can change in an experiment– Ex. listen to same song for same time,

age/gender of participants = same

Control vs. Experimental Group

Control Group• Will not get “X” or will get

placebo (“fake” or “pretend”)

• “Comparison Group”• May experience “placebo

effect”

• Ex. Not listen to classical music

• Other Exs.– Sugar pill

Experimental Group• Will get “X” (the actual

experiment)

• Ex. Listen to classical music

• Other Exs.– Actual medicine

5. Record Data.

• Write down the direct or indirect observations made during the experiment.

• Data must be…– accurate – valid– free of bias

Types of Data

Qualitative• Facts (Words)

– Ex. “Group 1 is listening to classical music while testing.”

– Other Exs.• “Subject A is eating a

sandwich.”

Quantitative• Figures (#s)

– Ex. “20%”

– Other Exs.• “9.54 mm”• “783 subjects”

• http://www.sophia.org/tutorials/qualitative-and-quantitative-observations--4

6. Analyze Data.

• Put data into charts, graphs, & tables. (organizing info)

Music & Test Scores

Control Experimental0

10

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Test Scores

Test Scores

7. Draw Conclusions.

• What does the data mean?– Make sense out of the data.– In other words, make inferences.

• What were the experiment’s limitations (variables that negatively influence the experiment)?

• Ex. “The students listening to classical music increased their test scores by 42% because the classical music helped them focus.”

8. Report Results.

• Publish in journals, internet, etc…