Scientific Method Flashcard

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What is a qualitative observation?

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A qualitative observation is a description that involves characteristics or qualities, such as color, shape, or texture, rather than numerical measurements.

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What is a quantitative observation?

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A quantitative observation is a description that involves numerical measurements or counts, such as height, weight, or temperature.

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What is a dependent variable?

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A dependent variable is the factor in an experiment that changes as a result of the independent variable. It is what you measure in the experiment.

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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.

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What is a control group?

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A control group is a group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment or independent variable, used as a benchmark to measure how the other tested groups do.

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What is a hypothesis?

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A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.

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Why is it important to have only one independent variable in an experiment?

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Having only one independent variable ensures that any changes in the dependent variable can be directly attributed to that variable, making the experiment valid.

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What is the purpose of a scientific experiment?

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The purpose of a scientific experiment is to test a hypothesis by manipulating variables and observing the effects.

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What does it mean to analyze data in an experiment?

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Analyzing data involves examining and interpreting the results of an experiment to draw conclusions about the hypothesis.

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What is the significance of a graph in scientific research?

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Graphs visually represent data, making it easier to identify trends, patterns, and relationships between variables.