Scientific Investigation

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Scientific Investigation
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Steps in an Investigation

• Ask a question
• Research
• Make a hypothesis
• Planmaterials, procedure, control variables
• Collect and record data
• Explain results (draw conclusions)
• Pose new questions
• Share results

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Hypothesis

• Hypothesis an idea or explanation for an
  observation or scientific problem that can be
  tested by further investigation.
• Usually follows If, then, because format
• Example If a person eats more chocolate, then he
  will have more pimples because it causes pores to
  clog with oil.

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Controlling Variables

• Variable any factor that can change in an
  experiment
• If you have more than one variable to test, you
  wont know which variable caused the results.
• In other words, both the experimental group and
  control group are the same except for one thing!

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Types of Variables

• Constant Variables any factor that needs to be
  the same in both groups
• Independent Variable the one variable you are
  testing
• Dependent Variable the factor you will measure

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Groups

• Control Group used as comparison does not get
  the independent variable
• Experimental Group the tested group it does
  get the independent variable

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Observations

• Observation recording events using instruments
  or the 5 senses
• Note A good scientific observation will stay the
  same even when a different person observes it
• Qualitative uses the 5 senses
• Quantitative uses measurement

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Inference

• Inference a logical conclusion based on
  available evidence or prior knowledge