Controlled Experiments and Variables

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Controlled Experiment

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An experiment with two groups: Experimental Group (one independent variable is changed) and Control Group (no variables are changed).

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Control Group

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A test group with no independent variable changing, used as a standard for comparison.

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Purpose of a Control Group

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To compare data with the experimental group and see the effect of the independent variable.

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Variable

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Any factor that could change in an experiment.

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Independent Variable (IV)

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The variable deliberately changed in an experiment, found on the x-axis of a graph.

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Dependent Variable (DV)

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The variable measured or observed in response to the independent variable, found on the y-axis of a graph.

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Variables Held Constant (VHC)

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Factors that stay the same, allowing only one independent variable to be tested.

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Hypothesis

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A prediction of what might happen in an experiment, also known as an educated guess.

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Inference

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A conclusion based on observations and prior knowledge.

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Structure of a Hypothesis

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"If/ do this (Independent Variable), then this (Dependent Variable) will happen."