vii: research [fourth]

• Data is raw, unorganized facts that need to be processed. Data can be

  something simple and seemingly random and useless until it is organized.
• Data is a collection of facts, such as numbers, words, measurements,

  observations or just descriptions of things.
• Quantitative data (or quantitative observations) are the ones that can be counted, measured, and expressed using numbers.
• Types of Quantitative Data:

  Discrete and Continuous
• Discrete data cannot be broken down into smaller parts. They always

  assume exact amounts and have no values in between.
• Continuous data can be infinitely broken down into smaller parts. They are data that continuously fluctuates.
• Fill in the blanks:

  A) Yes

  B) no

  C) Yes

  D) finite number

  E) infinite number

  
• Types of Qualitative Data:

  Nominal and Ordinal
• Nominal data are used for naming or labelling variables, without any

  numerical value. Nominal data does not have any order; thus, you cannot compare between the data values.
• Ordinal data is a type of categorical data with specific order. The

  values in an ordinal data set could be orderly arranged.
• Fill in the blanks:

  A) Nominal Data

  B) Ordinal Data

  
• Data gathering is an important task in all scientific studies. It allows us to gain first-hand knowledge or insights that could help answer our scientific questions.
• Fill in the blanks:

  A) test

  B) sample

  C) effects

  
• After gathering data, we need to organize them so that we can avoid confusion. Usually, researchers do not use textual organization of

  information if there are numerous data values. Therefore, we should break apart each bit of data then compile them into visual formats like

  tables, graphs or charts. In this process, our communication skills and

  graphing techniques would come in handy.
• If we are dealing with numerical data set, we usually want to arrange the data values in increasing or decreasing order.
• If we are dealing with descriptive data set, we usually want to group the data values based on their similarities.
• Frequency simply tells us how often something happened. Frequency

  tells the number of times an observation occurs in a data set. We usually create a table (called the frequency distribution table) containing the frequencies of all unique data. In creating a frequency distribution table, we simply list down each unique observation and count the number of instances that they occurred.
• To create a frequency distribution we should first arrange the table for the given data set in increasing order.
• The Measures of Central Tendency help us find the middle, or the

  average, of a data set. These numbers provide simple yet common ways of analyzing data. The three most common measures of central tendency are the mean, median, and mode.
• Mean - is the sum of all values divided by the total number of values
• Median - is the middle value in an ordered data set
• Mode - is the most frequent value/s
• According to Hebb, a flowchart is a graphical or

  symbolic representation of a process. Each step in the process

  is represented by a different symbol and contains a short

  description of the process step. The flowchart symbols are

  linked together with arrows showing the process flow direction.
• A conclusion summarizes the significant results of the experiment. A

  conclusion must then be stated after each research study. In many cases, the conclusion does not only end the research process, but also suggests future questions left unanswered in the course of the investigation. These unresolved questions could then lead to new research topics and problems.
• A conclusion could be seen as the highlight of a science experiment. The purpose of most experiments is to find a conclusion that accepts or rejects the hypothesis. Scientists do this by formulation of hypotheses, experimentation, and data analysis. Several experiment trials are usually performed to establish scientific credibility.
• Conclusions compare the results both to the original hypothesis and the conclusions of previous experiments by other researchers.When drawing conclusions, scientists explain what the results mean and how to view them in the context of the scientific field or real-world

  environment, as well as making suggestions for future research.
• Fill in the blanks:

  A) Analyzing Data

  B) NO

  C) Conclusions

  
• If the data do not support the hypothesis, scientists may try the experiment again or design a new experiment. If the results still do not support the hypothesis, scientists may form new hypothesis. This means that the hypothesis is rejected by the scientist. Failure to come up with data supporting a hypothesis is not a waste of time. New information and procedure can still be gained in the process.
• If the data obtained support the hypothesis, the hypothesis is accepted.

  Scientists then repeat the experiment to know if similar experiments yield the same results. If same results still occur, scientists publish the results and share the information with other scientists for further confirmation.
• A principle is a rule or mechanism by which specific scientific phenomena work. Principles typically have more requirements or criteria when it can be used. They generally require more explanation

  to articulate as opposed to a single universal equation.
• According to Vengco, a hypothesis that has been tested and consistently supported by data becomes a theory. A theory is an explanation based on many repeated observations during experiments.

  Scientific theories help explain the behavior of objects or events in nature. A theory is not permanent. It may be discarded as new information is gained.
• At times, patterns are observed in nature. A general statement that describes some pattern in nature is called scientific law. A law summarizes a natural occurrence that may be consistently observed

  given the same conditions. A law may be expressed in words or in mathematical form.
• Fill in the blanks:

  A) hypothesis

  B) facts

  
• Science and Engineering Fairs are annual events that allow students to showcase their ideas to more audience. Student presentations (such as

  science presentation boards, videos, posters, flyers etc.) are usually judged based on their expected contribution to improve the quality of human life.
• Fill in the Blanks:

  A) Decision

  B) Process

  C) Start/End

  D) Arrows

  E) Input/Output

  F) connector