Scientific Method Vocabulary

Front

What is the first step of the scientific process that involves using your senses to gather information?

Back

Making an observation

Front

The process of making an inference. An interpretation based on observations and prior knowledge.

Back

Inferring

Front

The process of grouping things based on their similarities

Back

Classifying

Front

Creating representations of complex objects or processes.

Back

Making models

Front

An observation that deals with a number or amount (mass, height, length, temperature, etc.)

Back

Quantitative observation

Front

An observation that describes using your five senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, hearing) and uses NO numbers.

Back

Qualitative observations

Front

A testable prediction that has been made based on an observation or question (or both).

Back

hypothesis

Front

The variable that changes as a result of the experiment; the outcome.

Back

dependent variable

Front

The variable in an experiment that a scientist purposely changes; the cause

Back

independent variable

Front

A variable that is kept constant during a controlled experiment.

Back

control variable