Graphing Data

Steps of Scientific Method State the problem Conduct research State hypothesis Conduct experiment to test hypothesis Record Data Interpret Data Conclusion

Given the data set, graph the following information. Hypothesis: If I eat grapefruit then it will cause my weight loss because fruit acid burns fat. Week Grapefruit Consumed every day (grams) Weight Lost (pounds) 1 10 4.0 2 20 4.1 3 30 3.8 4 40 5 50 3.9

Step 1 1) Figure out what your variables are from your hypothesis statement. Ask yourself what are the things that CHANGE (vary) within the experiment.

Step 1 In this case, the quantity of grapefruit and your weight are the variables of interest. Any variable that you COULD have changed but chose not to change is a constant variable.

Step 2 2) Identify which variables are independent (IV) and which are dependent (DV). Your IV usually changes before the DV. The amount of weight lost DEPENDS on how much grapefruit you ate (hypothetically).

Step 3 3) Create your graph by drawing an X and Y axis.

Step 4 4) Label your X axis with the independent variable.

Step 5 5) Label your Y axis with the dependent variable. (No…don’t draw the picture of the fat guy).

Step 6 6) Create intervals for both axes. I suggest starting from zero and going up by 10 or 20 as far needed.

Step 7

Step 8 8) Plot the data points by finding the intersections.

Step 9 9) Interpret Data. Does consuming more grapefruit cause more weight loss?

Step 10 10) If you believe that the data supports the hypothesis then you “fail to reject the hypothesis”. If you believe that the data DOES NOT support the hypothesis then you reject the hypothesis.

Step 10 If the experimental results are replicated then the hypothesis can become a scientific theory. Note: Scientific theories are NOT guesses or hunches but are supported by multiple observations and experiments.

Controls A control is something to compare your group to so that the effect of your independent variable becomes more clear. Even if you ate grapefruit and lost weight does that mean that the grapefruit caused the weight loss?

Controls A control is something to compare your group to so that the effect of your independent variable becomes more clear. Even if you ate grapefruit and lost weight does that mean that the grapefruit caused the weight loss? Not necessarily.

Controls A control is something to compare your group to so that the effect of your independent variable becomes more clear. Even if you ate grapefruit and lost weight does that mean that the grapefruit caused the weight loss? Not necessarily. Exercise illness other foods eaten NO other foods eaten

Controls Identify the control in this experiment. If Bob and Joe ate exactly the same thing except that Bob ate 3 grapefruit per day, does that mean that Bob lost weight because he ate grapefruit?

Controls Identify the control in this experiment. If Bob and Joe ate exactly the same thing except that Bob ate 3 grapefruit per day, does that mean that Bob loss weight because he ate grapefruit? Not necessarily. HOWEVER … the evidence is stronger because Joe was a control.