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Using the Scientific Method

Terms in this set (21)

problem
an observation that needs an explanation or a question that needs an answer
hypothesis
a possible explanation or answer to a scientific problem that can be tested
experiment
a step by step procedure used to test a hypothesis
conclusion
the interpreted results of an experiment based on the data; may prove or disprove the hypothesis
theory
an idea that is accepted as true because it is supported by repeated evidence
data
observations, measurements, and other information gathered in an experiment
quantitative data
measured data; data associated with numbers or specific amounts
qualitative data
descriptive data; data not associated with numbers or amounts
control group
the group that is used for comparison; it does not receive the tested element
experimental group
a group that receives one element being tested
bias
a belief or opinion that may affect experimental results
unbiased
having no opinion or being impartial
placebo
a substance given to a control group that has no effect on the experiment but is used to eliminate bias
constants
factors that remain the same for all groups during an experiment
variable
a factor that is changed during an experiment in order to test its effect
independent variable
the variable used to produce an effect
dependent variable
the measurable change that occurs because of the independent variable
data table
a way to format and organize data into rows and columns
raw data
information (data) gathered during an experiment before it has been analyzed
optimum
the best
scientifically valid
a description of a scientific experiment, data, or conclusion that is relevant or meaningful
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