Chapter 1 Scientific Method 1 Scientific Method i

Chapter 1 Scientific Method

1. Scientific Method i. a way of thinking or problem solving ii. methodical or step by step process

2. Steps of Scientific Method i. make any initial observations or research ii. Define the problem / ask a question iii. Make a hypothesis (educated guess and must be testable) iv. Perform an experiment to test your hypothesis v. Analyze data vi. Draw conclusions

3. Testing a hypothesis a. independent variable i. The variable that is being tested b. dependent variable i. The variable that changes due to the I. V. (response) ii. The variable that you collect data on (what you measure) c. Experimental Group i. The group of test subjects that contains the I. V. d. Control Group i. The group of test subjects that DOES NOT contain the I. V. ii. This group is used as a comparison group to the experimental group

4. Performing a Controlled Experiment i. Can test only ONE variable at a time ii. Has a control group for comparison iii. All other factors except for the I. V. are controlled and not being tested iv. Many test subjects with similar characteristics

5. Scientific Theories i. An explanation for observations ii. Cannot be proved iii. Ex. Theory of Relativity

6. Scientific Law i. A statement that explains patterns of observations ii. Can be proved iii. Ex. Law of Gravity