scientific method notes
TRANSCRIPT
Experimental Design
Scientific Method:Process by which scientists, collectively,
and over time, construct an accurate representation of the world
Problem-solving method
Hypothesis:An educated prediction or guess based
on observations and research
Control:Portion of the experiment that remains
unchanged and is used for comparison
Variable:Portion of the experiment that is changed
in order to test hypothesis
Should only be testing one
Independent Variable:The variable or change you are
manipulating
Dependent Variable:The variable or change that happens as a
result of your change
Constants:All other conditions of your experiment
outside of the one independent variable should be exactly the same
Sample Size:The more samples or tests you have the
better, with a minimum of three to five
Data to Collect:Quantitative data (data that can be easily
counted or measured)
Presenting Data:All data should be presented in a chart
and/or graph with everything categorized or labeled
Line GraphShows trends over time
Bar GraphGood for comparison of data
Pie ChartsShow percentage of the whole
Bias:Avoid favoring one sample over another
and ignoring or dismissing data counter to your hypothesis