What is the significance of scientific investigation The

The scientific method attempts to minimize the influence of bias or prejudice in the

How can a scientist be biased? It results from personal beliefs, as well as

For someone trying to solve a problem around the house, succumbing to these kinds

That's the job of the scientific method. It provides an objective, standardized approach to

By using a standardized approach in their investigations, scientists can feel confident that they

For example… > they can mistake a hypothesis for an explanation of a phenomenon

Investigation An examination or inquiry into something, especially a detailed one that is undertaken

Analyze To examine something in great detail in order to understand it better or

Predict To say what is going to happen in the future, often on the

Hypotheses A tentative explanation for a phenomenon, used as a basis for further investigation

Control Ability or authority to manage or direct something; used to show that the

Dependent Variable Is the response to the independent variable that is measured by the

Independent Variable is the variable that is varied or manipulated by the researcher.

Observations Information gathered by using your senses: SIGHT, HEAR, SMELL, TOUCH, TASTE

Infer To come to a conclusion or form an opinion about something on the

Interpret To establish or explain the meaning or significance of something

Data Information collected during an experiment.

Qualitative Data Deals with descriptions. Data can be observed but not measured. Colors, textures,

Quantitative Data Deals with numbers. Data which can be measured. Length, height, area, volume,

Conclusion Summary of the results of an experiment.

Replicate To make an identical version of something repeatedly and exactly, or do something

1. How does a scientist design and perform an inquiry-based scientific investigation considering controls,

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What is the significance of scientific investigation?

The scientific method attempts to minimize the influence of bias or prejudice in the experimenter. Even the best-intentioned scientists can't escape bias.

How can a scientist be biased? It results from personal beliefs, as well as cultural beliefs, which means any human filters information based on his or her own experience. Unfortunately, this filtering process can cause a scientist to prefer one outcome over another.

For someone trying to solve a problem around the house, succumbing to these kinds of biases is not such a big deal. But in the scientific community, where results have to be reviewed and duplicated, bias must be avoided at all costs.

That's the job of the scientific method. It provides an objective, standardized approach to conducting experiments and, in doing so, improves their results.

By using a standardized approach in their investigations, scientists can feel confident that they will stick to the facts and limit the influence of personal, preconceived notions. Even with such a rigorous methodology in place, some scientists still make mistakes.

For example… > they can mistake a hypothesis for an explanation of a phenomenon without performing experiments > they can fail to accurately account for errors, such as measurement errors > they can ignore data that does not support the hypothesis

Investigation An examination or inquiry into something, especially a detailed one that is undertaken officially, or the act of undertaking an examination

Analyze To examine something in great detail in order to understand it better or discover more about it

Predict To say what is going to happen in the future, often on the basis of present indications or past experience

Procedure Steps in an experiment

Hypotheses A tentative explanation for a phenomenon, used as a basis for further investigation

Control Ability or authority to manage or direct something; used to show that the result of an experiment is really due to the condition being tested.

Dependent Variable Is the response to the independent variable that is measured by the researcher.

Independent Variable is the variable that is varied or manipulated by the researcher.

Observations Information gathered by using your senses: SIGHT, HEAR, SMELL, TOUCH, TASTE

Infer To come to a conclusion or form an opinion about something on the basis of evidence or reasoning

Interpret To establish or explain the meaning or significance of something

Data Information collected during an experiment.

Qualitative Data Deals with descriptions. Data can be observed but not measured. Colors, textures, smells, tastes, appearance, beauty, etc. Qualitative → Quality

Quantitative Data Deals with numbers. Data which can be measured. Length, height, area, volume, weight, speed, time, temperature, humidity, sound levels, cost, members, ages, etc. Quantitative → Quantity

Conclusion Summary of the results of an experiment.

Replicate To make an identical version of something repeatedly and exactly, or do something again in exactly the same way

1. How does a scientist design and perform an inquiry-based scientific investigation considering controls, variables, and data analysis? 2. What is the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable? 3. What is the importance of having a control in a scientific investigation? 4. How do you distinguish between an observation and an inference? 5. What are some potential hazards that can occur in a lab? 6. What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative data? When would you use one over another?