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Procedure |
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A list which describes all the steps taken during an experiment. The list should provide enough detail for any person to be able to repeat the experiment exactly the same way. Like a recipe in a cook book |
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Results |
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The section within a lab write up which will contain a data table and/or a graph. This details all observations made within an experiment. |
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Quantitative Observation |
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An observation using numbers. Example: the tree is 15 meters tall. |
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Qualitative Observation |
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An observation using descriptive words. Example: the ooze created was foamy and smelled like strawberries. |
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Independent Variable |
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May also be called the manipulated variable. This is the one item which is intentionally changed within an experiment. Example: change the number of mentos you add to a 2L bottle of soda to determine the maximum fountain height using the same brand of soda, dropping in the mentos the same way, using the same method of height measurement. |
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Dependent Variable |
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May also be called the responding variable. This is what the you observe as a result of what was changed within an experiment. Example: change the number of mentos you add to a 2L bottle of soda to determine the maximum fountain height using the same brand of soda, dropping in the mentos the same way, using the same method of height measurement. |
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Controlled Variable |
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The process of keeping factors identical within the experiment. Example: change the number of mentos you add to a 2L bottle of soda to determine the maximum fountain height using the same brand of soda, dropping in the mentos the same way, using the same method of height measurement. |
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Experimental Controls
-or- Controls |
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These are standards used for comparing results of an experiment. Example: if you want to know if taking vitamins increases test scores, you want to have some people taking the vitamins and some people not taking them. |
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Inference |
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A conclusion based on prior experience. Example: you hear a loud, rumbling noise outside; you conclude it is thunder and it is about to rain. |
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Law (scientific) |
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A generalization for a body of observations. At the time it is made, no exceptions have been found to a law. Scientific laws explain things, but they do not describe them. |
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Theory |
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This summarizes a hypothesis or group of hypotheses that have been supported with repeated testing. It is valid as long as there is no evidence to dispute it. This provides an explanation to a phenonemon. |
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Hypothesis |
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an educated guess, based on observation. Usually, a hypothesis can be supported or refuted through experimentation or more observation. A hypothesis can be disproven, but not proven to be true. |
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Conclusion |
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The summary part of an experiment write-up. This contains whether or not the data collected supportes the hypothesis and further steps for investivation. |
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Trials |
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Repetition of the experiment or parts of it. Increasing the number of times an experiment is repeated allows for averaging of data and "better" analysis. |
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Emperical Evidence |
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Data produced by an experiment or observation (a fancy term for this). |
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Peer Review |
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A process of self-regulation involving qualified individuals within the relevant field. Example: you do an experiment and make a discovery. A whole bunch of scientists look at & repeat your experiment to make sure your process and results are valid. |
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