Writing a Problem Statement Changing the “Ask a question” to a cause – effect statement.

Two Steps Step 1 Identify variables  Independent variable  Dependent variable

Step 2 Choose one of the three problem statements below and fill in iv = independent variable and dv = dependent variable. 1.What is the effect of ___iv___ on ___dv___? 2.How do/does ___iv___ affect ___dv___? 3.To what extent do/does ___iv___ affect ___dv___?

EXAMPLE Question – Does moisture effect yard snails? moisture - independent variable yard snails – dependent variable Example 1 – What is the effect of moisture on yard snails? Example 2 – To what extent does moisture affect yard snails?

Writing an Hypothesis Must be a researched, educated guess. Most often is an “if, then” statement and must include the independent variable and dependent variable. The statement sets up a cause-effect relationship. – Ex. If I ___ iv______, then ____dv_______.

EXAMPLE If I change the moisture, then the # of yard snails will be affected.