Experimental Design

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What is a hypothesis?

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A hypothesis is a testable statement that predicts the relationship between variables, often formatted as 'If [independent variable], then [dependent variable] because [reason].' For example, 'If I add more water, then the plant will grow taller because they need water to function.'

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What is an independent variable?

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An independent variable is the factor that is changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable. For example, in an experiment testing how ice cubes float in water, the temperature of the water is the independent variable.

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What is a dependent variable?

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A dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed in an experiment. It is affected by changes in the independent variable. For example, in the ice cube experiment, the height of the ice cube is the dependent variable.

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What is a control group?

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A control group is a standard of comparison in an experiment. It does not receive the experimental treatment and is used to measure how the other tested subjects do. For example, in a cleaning experiment, the control group might be the tables cleaned with tap water.

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What is an experimental group?

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An experimental group is the group in an experiment that receives the treatment or condition being tested. It is compared to the control group to determine the effect of the treatment.

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What is the purpose of a variable in an experiment?

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Variables are elements that can change in an experiment. They are essential for testing hypotheses and understanding relationships between different factors.

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What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?

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Qualitative data describes characteristics or qualities (e.g., color, texture), while quantitative data involves numerical measurements (e.g., height, weight).

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What is a scientific method?

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The scientific method is a systematic process for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. It typically involves observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and conclusion.

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What is a conclusion in an experiment?

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A conclusion is a summary of the results of an experiment, stating whether the hypothesis was supported or refuted based on the data collected.

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What is a variable?

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A variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types in an experiment.