The Nature of Science

Pattern of investigation procedures that can include stating a problem, forming a hypothesis, researching and gathering information, testing a hypothesis, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

• theory

• scientific law

• scientific method

• model

Possible explanation for a problem using what is known and what is observed.

• hypothesis

• theory

• scientific law

• standard

Organized procedure for testing a hypothesis; tests the effect of one thing on another under controlled conditions.

• scientific method

• independent variable

• experiment

• control

Quantity that can have more than a single value, can cause a change in the results of an experiment.

• standard

• control

• constant

• variable

Factor that changes as a result of changes in the other variables.

• independent variable

• dependent variable

• constant

• control

Factor that, as it changes, affects the measure of another variable.

• independent variable

• dependent variable

• constant

• control

In an experiment, a variable that does not change

• independent variable

• dependent variable

• constant

• control

Standard used for comparison of test results in an experiment.

• independent variable

• dependent variable

• constant

• control

Occurs when a scientist’s expectations change how the results of an experiment are viewed.

• technology

• bias

• society

• hypothesis

Can be used to represent an idea, object, or event that is too big, too small, too complex, or too dangerous to observe or test directly.

• model

• standard

• experiment

• SI