Scientific Methods
scientific methods - an orderly and systematic approach toproblem solving
theory - a statement describing (but not explaining) a natural event or phenomenon
law - a theory that has been tested many times and is generally accepted as true
variable -any factor that changes in an experiment
independent variable - the variable that is intentionally changed (manipulated)
dependent variable - the variable that responds to change
constant - any factor that does not change (it remains the same)
control group -the test group that is not manipulated and is used for a basis of comparison to the experimental group
experimental group - the test group that is manipulated (by the IV)
materials - the apparatus (stuff) used to conduct the experiment
procedure - a detailed description of how the experiment was performed
results - data that is collected either by quantitative or qualitative means that summarizes any trends found (use graphs, tables, sentences)
graph - a visual display of data
conclusions - interpretation of results of the study that summarizes the findings and provides recommendations for further investigation
hypothesis - an educated guess that is tested
problem - the question you wish to answer
purpose - what you hope to learn
rationale - why you conducted the experiment
qualitative data - descriptive qualities based on observations that use a non-standard scale (senses)
quantitative data - data that can be measured against a standard (numbers)
Exploring Scientific Method Terminology
variable -any factor that changes in an experiment
independent variable - the variable that is intentionally changed (manipulated)
dependent variable - the variable that responds to change
constant - any factor that does not change (it remains the same)
Okay, enough with the terms. Can we look at this in real world terms?
Check out this scenario:
Super Premium gasoline costs more than regular gasoline. Does super gasoline increase the efficiency or fuel mileage of your family car?(Hopefully, you can pick out the statement and the problem.)
Sample hypothesis (remember this????)
If premium gas is more efficient, then it should increase the fuel mileage of our family car.
Data generated from experimented
Miles Traveled -Gallons Used -Gallons per mile
Reg. Gas 762 - 45.34 - 0.059
Prem.Gas 661 - 42.30 - 0.064
Data shows that premium gasoline is less efficient that regular gasoline. It took more gasoline to travel one mile (0.064) using premium gasoline than it does to travel one mile using regular gasoline (0.059).
Based on this information, is the hypothesis supported? NO, the "sample" hypothesis stated that premium would be more efficient.
Constants?
In this experiment, everything (i.e. driver, vehicle type, speed, wx conditions, time of drive, etc,) is the same, except the type of gas (however, it should be purchased from same place). These represent the "CONSTANTS" in the experiment.
By using constants, you’ve ensured that at the end of the experiment, any differences were the result of the type of fuel being used (regular or premium).
Can you pick out the independent variable? (see below)
Can you pick out the dependent variable? (see below)
(Answers)
DV - Type of gasoline
IV - Gas Mileage
Now, try This....
Lab Activity (working in groups of 2)
All answers must be in complete sentences.
Suggestion: Use 1 computer to conduct the experiment and one to prepare your "draft"to turn in.
Here's what I want you to answer:
State the Problem? (Okay, I'll give you this one.)
Can you deal with "point and click" when the mouse does not behave in the usual fashion? Do you adapt more quickly to having the left-right or up-down directions reversed?
Form a Hypothesis?
If ________________, then __________________.
Conduct an Experiment (Reverse the Field Lab Activity)
(Keep notes to "track" what happens in the experiment.)
What did you do?
What is the Independent and Dependent variable?
What are the Constants?
Observation/Data?
Keep a data table to reflect the time that it took each person to complete the scenario.
Also, put together a bar graph to depict your figures. (Do one for each person. Use the Create a Graph Link below and print when done.)
Analyze
What does your data say?
Conclusion(s)
as a minimum:
(1) What happened in the experiment.
(2) Was your hypothesis supported/not supported?
(3) Can you deal with "point and click" when the mouse does not behave in the usual fashion?
(4) Do you adapt more quickly to having the left-right or up-down directions reversed?
(5) Do a comparative analysis for your team. (Compare the results for each team member and "talk about it.)
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