Sept 2010 Investigative Process Name _____________
SKYVIEW standard Definitions Period _____
you need to know!!! Student #_____
Numbers following the words indicate the Vocabulary Card Set #.
Analysis (4): The process of examining data from an experiment to see if 1. It follows the procedure, 2. Appears accurate, 3. Strengthens, weakens, or disproves the hypothesis. Also used to separate a system into its parts to determine how the system works.
Conclusion (4): A final statement of the findings of an investigative process that accepts or rejects the hypothesis and explains why using investigative evidence (data).
Confidence (5): Assurance that the conclusions of an investigation are reliable and valid.
Control (2): A standard group or trial against which experimental trials or groups are compared in a scientific experiment. [Note: The controls are sometimes called the Control Trials or groups]
Controlled experiment (1): A laboratory investigation in which the values of all variables are kept the same except for one that is changed from trial to trial, the manipulated or independent variable, and one that is measured, the responding or dependent variable. A controlled experiment is a type of investigation.
Controlled variable (2): The conditions (variables) that are kept the same from trial to trial in a laboratory investigation.
Data (3): Experimental information recorded with numbers, found in nature. Collected using five senses and or instruments
Effect (4): The result or consequence of an action, influence, or causal agent.
Error (3): Mistakes of perception, measurement, or process during an investigation; an incorrect result or discrepancy. Six types are: Design, observer, operator, recording, calculation, and measuring tool limitations.
Evidence (3): Observations, measurements, or data collected through established and recognized scientific processes.
Experiment (3): A process of testing to determine if a hypothesis is accepted or rejected and telling WHY. An experiment compares experimental trials to containing one manipulated variable to a control (group or trial).
Experimental Trials (2) Trials in an experiment that have one variable changed (the manipulated variable) changed. The results from these trials are compared to the controls to test out the experiment's hypothesis.
Field studies (1): The scientific study of free-living plants or animals in which the subjects are observed in their natural habitat without changing, harming, or materially altering the setting or subjects of the investigation.
Hypothesis (3): A testable explanation for a specific problem or question based on what has already been learned. A hypothesis is stated in an If-then-because format that predicts a causal relationship between two variables.
Infer (1): To arrive at a decision or logical conclusion by reasoning from evidence. An Inference is a logical conclusion based on evidence.
Investigation (1): An organized scientific study of the natural world. Investigations may include: asking questions, systematic observations; gathering information through planned study in the field, laboratory, or research setting, analyzing data to find patterns, summarizing results, drawing conclusions, and communicating findings clearly.
Investigative Question (3): A testable question that describes a problem and often includes the manipulated & responding variables and the study subject.
Law (5): A reliable description of nature based upon many experiments that gave supporting observations. A law can be used to accurately predict what will happen in many situations.
Manipulated variable (2): The one variable in an experiment that is being investigated. It is deliberately changed to determine its relationship or effect on the responding variable. Also known as the changed or independent variable.
Model (1): A simplified representation of a system. Models are useful for studying systems that are too big, too small, or too dangerous to study directly. Modeling can be a form of investigation.
Observation (1): The skill of recognizing and noting some fact or occurrence in the natural world. Observation includes the act of measuring. Also: A systematic observation is a type of investigation where data on the study subject is taken on a regular, or systematic basic.
Predict/Prediction (3): A statement forecasting a future event or process. Includes the study subject, the manipulated and the responding variables. Predictions are based on theory, investigative evidence, or experience.
Simulation (1): The imitation of some real thing, state of affairs, or process. A simulation represents certain key characteristics or behaviors of a selected system. A simulation is a type of investigation.
Qualitative measurement (4): data using descriptive words (e.g., harder/softer, hotter/colder)
Quantitative measurement (4): data using numbers (e.g.‚ 42.0 ûC , 10.0 sec., 6.0m)
Reliability (4): An attribute of any investigation that describes the consistency or repeatability of the results during at least three trials.
Responding variable (2): The variable in an experiment that may change as a result of the Manipulated Variable. (The responding variable is the "measured or dependent variable.")
Study Subject (2): The physical object (plant, animal etc) being studied in an investigation.
System (5): A set or arrangement of interrelated parts through which matter can cycle and energy or information can flow.
Theory (5): An explanation of a natural phenomenon that has been thoroughly tested, is widely accepted, and fits all known data. Theories are used to generate hypotheses and testable predictions about the universe.
Uncontrolled Variable (2): Factors in an experiment that were not controlled or may have been overlooked.
Validity (4): A characteristic of an investigation that describes the quality of the data collected during an experiment. Strong, or high validity answers the investigative question with confidence by showing the change in the manipulated variable actually caused a change in the responding variable.
Variable (2): Any changed or changing factor used to test a hypothesis or prediction in an investigation that could affect the results of the investigation.
Scientific Method Index Project Page
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