Experimental Design Vocabulary



EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN(The Scientific Method)A step-by-step procedure that scientists used to do experiments.Paul Revere Hates Eggs and Cheese!(Experimental Design Steps: Problem, Research, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analysis, Conclusion)OBSERVATION(Synonym = examination)To examine something closely using all of your senses. An observation does not include opinions. INFERENCE (Synonym = assumption, judgment)An explanation of why something happened. An inference is how you explain what you observed.PROBLEM (Synonym = purpose, question)The question that the experiment is designed to answer. It is the reason that you are doing the experiment.HYPOTHESIS(Synonym = guess)A possible answer to your experiment’s problem. It is a prediction that can be tested.PROCEDURE(Synonym = directions, steps)The steps taken to carry out an experiment.DATA(Synonym = information)Measurements & facts obtained from the experiment. Data are used as a basis for drawing conclusions. ANALYSISAn examination of the results of the experiment. A search for relationships within the data (often by using graphs).CONCLUSIONCompares the hypothesis to the experiment’s results. A search for relationships within the data. CONSTANTSFactors which remain the same throughout the experiment; constants do not change or vary. CONTROL(or CONTROL GROUP)The item or group of items which are the standard for comparison. A test that is performed by removing the independent variable. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE(Synonym: manipulated variable)The part of the experiment that the scientist changes on purpose. DEPENDENT VARIABLE (Synonym: responding variable)The part of the experiment that changes as a result of the independent variable. The dependent variable is the change that you are measuring. THEORYA scientifically testable general principle offered to explain something in nature. It can accurately predict the outcome of future experiments and observations. LAWSomething that has been proven to occur over and over again whenever certain conditions exist or are met. LENGTHThe measure of how long something is; the measurement of anything from end to end; metric base unit= meters. VOLUMEThe amount of space something fills up or occupies; metric base unit= liters. MASSThe amount of matter in something; metric base unit = grams. METRIC SYSTEM(International System of Units)A measurement system based on 10’s and is used internationally. King Henry Died Monday Drinking Chocolate MilkKilo (1000), Hecto (100), Deca (10)Metric Base Unit (meters, liters, grams)Deci (0.1), Centi (0.01), Milli (0.001)HONORS ONLY:HONORS ONLY: QUALITATIVE DATAAn observation that is based upon something that cannot be measured (quality). (Examples: sweetness, color, smell, taste) QUANTITATIVE DATAMeasurable data gathered in a numeric form (quantity). (Examples: length, volume, mass, temperature, pH, pressure) VALIDITY (adj. - VALID)A statement or quality of being true and reasonable. INVALIDA statement or quality of being false and not reasonable. BIASA preformed judgment or unfavorable opinion about something. EXPERIMENTAL GROUPThe group that has variables acting upon it so that it can be compared with the results of the control group. ................
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