Ch 1: Science Inquiry & Processing Vocab 1.Accuracy 2.Bias 3.Conclusion 4.Control Group 5.Data 6.Dependent Variable 7.Direct Observation 8.Experimental Group 9.Hypothesis 10.Independent Variable 11.Indirect Observation 12.Inference 13.Law (Scientific) 14.Limitations 15.Observation 16.Procedure 17.Science 18.Scientific Method 19.Technology 20.Theory 21.Validity 22.variable

Concepts in Science Ch 1 “Science Inquiry & Processing” Notes

Science knowledge attained through study or practice “Scientia" = Latin for “knowledge” Branches… – Chemistry – how matter changes – Biology – life – Physics – how matter & energy affect each other

Theory vs. Law Scientific Theory Possible explanation backed by a lot of evidence supported by many scientists – Ex. Theory of Evolution Scientific Law Repeated observation over time – Ex. Law of Gravity

Scientific Method 1.Ask a Question. 2.Research 3.Hypothesize 4.Experiment 5.Record Data 6. Analyze Data 7.Draw Conclusions 8. Report Results

1. Ask a question. Ex. “Does listening to classical music improve test scores?”

Independent vs Dependent Variable Independent Variable Stands alone! “Antecedent” Ex. Listening to classical music Other Exs. – Monetary gift – Distraction Dependent Variable “Depends” on other factors; what you want to change “Consequence” Ex. Test scores Other Exs. – Work production – Driving ability

2. Research …on internet, books, etc… become educated on the background to the question! Ex. “A study performed by Harvard shows that classical music will increase test scores because it helps the parts of the brain associated with focus.”

3. Hypothesize. EDUCATED theory Predict the answer to the question & why Ex. “We predict this study will show classical music will increase test scores because the rhythm of the music will enhance focus centers in the brain.”

4. Experiment …to test the hypothesis. Design the experiment’s procedure. Variable – anything that can change in an experiment – Ex. listen to same song for same time, age/gender of participants = same

Control vs. Experimental Group Control Group Will not get “X” or will get placebo (“fake” or “pretend”) “Comparison Group” May experience “placebo effect” Ex. Not listen to classical music Other Exs. – Sugar pill Experimental Group Will get “X” (the actual experiment) Ex. Listen to classical music Other Exs. – Actual medicine

5. Record Data. Write down the direct or indirect observations made during the experiment. Data must be… – accurate – valid – free of bias

Types of Data Qualitative Facts (Words) – Ex. “Group 1 is listening to classical music while testing.” – Other Exs. “Subject A is eating a sandwich.” Quantitative Figures (#s) – Ex. “20%” – Other Exs. “9.54 mm” “783 subjects”

ative-and-quantitative-observations--4 ative-and-quantitative-observations--4

6. Analyze Data. Put data into charts, graphs, & tables. (organizing info)

Music & Test Scores

7. Draw Conclusions. What does the data mean? – Make sense out of the data. – In other words, make inferences. What were the experiment’s limitations (variables that negatively influence the experiment)? Ex. “The students listening to classical music increased their test scores by 42% because the classical music helped them focus.”

8. Report Results. Publish in journals, internet, etc…