scientific method. testable questions testable questions should: be in the form of a question with...
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Scientific MethodScientific Method
Testable QuestionsTestable Questions
Testable questions should:Testable questions should: Be in the form of a question with a Be in the form of a question with a
question markquestion mark.. Be testable – can find the answer to it by Be testable – can find the answer to it by
doing an experiment or collecting data.doing an experiment or collecting data. Include the Independent Variable (what Include the Independent Variable (what
you want to change/vary) and the you want to change/vary) and the Dependent Variable (what you will Dependent Variable (what you will measure). measure).
Independent and Dependent Independent and Dependent VariablesVariables
Independent VariableIndependent Variable Manipulated VariableManipulated Variable What you are changing in the experimentWhat you are changing in the experiment ““II VVary”ary”
Dependent VariableDependent Variable Responding VariableResponding Variable What you will measure in the experimentWhat you will measure in the experiment ““DDepends On” IVepends On” IV
Writing a HypothesisWriting a Hypothesis A possible solution to your A possible solution to your
problem/question that can be tested. (A problem/question that can be tested. (A prediction)prediction)
Must include the IV and DVMust include the IV and DV Do NOT Explain whyDo NOT Explain why ExamplesExamples
– If the If the (IV)(IV) is is (changed this way)(changed this way), then the , then the (DV)(DV) will will (do this)(do this)..
– I think/predict (I think/predict (IV choiceIV choice) will () will (do this to the do this to the DVDV).).
Forbidden Words: Because, Affect, Effect, Forbidden Words: Because, Affect, Effect, ChangeChange
Preparing an ExperimentPreparing an Experiment
Gather materials to perform your Gather materials to perform your experimentexperiment
Establish your Establish your Controls/Constants Controls/Constants – things – things that must be kept the same in the that must be kept the same in the experiment to make sure your experiment experiment to make sure your experiment is is VALIDVALID. .
Can change only one thing in the Can change only one thing in the experiment – experiment – Independent VariableIndependent Variable
Do at least 3 trials to produce Do at least 3 trials to produce RELIABLERELIABLE results and calculate the average.results and calculate the average.
Collect DataCollect Data
Make observations and measurements Make observations and measurements during your experiment during your experiment
Create a data table to Create a data table to ORGANIZEORGANIZE and and record your datarecord your data
Record data of 3 or more trials for Record data of 3 or more trials for RELIABILITYRELIABILITY
Calculate averages to minimize the affects Calculate averages to minimize the affects of individual differences, unusual data, of individual differences, unusual data, (outliers) or mistakes.(outliers) or mistakes.
Sample Data TableSample Data Table
IV ChoiceIV Choice
#1#1IV ChoiceIV Choice
#2#2IV ChoiceIV Choice
#3#3IV ChoiceIV Choice
#4#4
Trial 1Trial 1(DV)(DV)
Trial 2Trial 2(DV)(DV)
Trial 3Trial 3(DV)(DV)
AverageAverage
(DV)(DV)
Data Table Title: (Testable Question with IV & DV)
Validity, Reliability, AccuracyValidity, Reliability, Accuracy
Validity – narrows down what Validity – narrows down what variable effects the outcome – only variable effects the outcome – only one IV; everything else must remain one IV; everything else must remain the same – controls/constantsthe same – controls/constants
Reliability – repeat experiment & get Reliability – repeat experiment & get the same results – multiple trialsthe same results – multiple trials
Accuracy – correct measurements Accuracy – correct measurements and calculationsand calculations
Analyze DataAnalyze Data
GRAPHSGRAPHS are used to show are used to show relationships and reveal patterns in relationships and reveal patterns in datadata
Analyze your data and determine the Analyze your data and determine the appropriate graph to use. appropriate graph to use. – Line graphs are used for data that is Line graphs are used for data that is
collected over a period of timecollected over a period of time– Bar graphs are used when data is Bar graphs are used when data is
collected for individual events collected for individual events
Graph ResultsGraph Results
Title your graph: Use your testable Title your graph: Use your testable questionquestion
Label the horizontal axis with the IVLabel the horizontal axis with the IV Label the vertical axis with the DVLabel the vertical axis with the DV Use appropriate increments on the Use appropriate increments on the
bars and lines. Start with zero. bars and lines. Start with zero. No No broken scale.broken scale.
Label each bar or point with specific Label each bar or point with specific datadata
Sample GraphSample Graph
Title = Testable Question
10.515
20.5
30
05
101520253035
A B C D
Independent Variable (Include Units)
Dep
end
ent
Var
iab
le
(In
clu
de
Un
its)
Draw Conclusions Draw Conclusions
Should include the following:Should include the following: Restate the testable question and give the Restate the testable question and give the
answer (use complete sentences with answer (use complete sentences with specific IV & DV wording).specific IV & DV wording).
Give specific data numbers (maximum & Give specific data numbers (maximum & minimum) to support your conclusion.minimum) to support your conclusion.
Restate your hypothesis and tell whether Restate your hypothesis and tell whether the data supports your hypothesis or not the data supports your hypothesis or not (use specific data numbers).(use specific data numbers).