Science Inquiry

• Scientific Method


  Generalised process used to conduct scientific investigations in science
• Scientific Method


  1. Recognise problem & define question

  2. Collect as much information as possible relating to the problem

  3. Propose a hypothesis

  4. Test hypothesis using an experiment

  5. Analyse & interpret the data collected from the experiment

  6. Draw conclusions about whether the hypothesis was supported or not

  7. Report on the investigation
• Hypothesis


  Statement that can be tested, includes both variables
• Independent variable


  Variable being tested, intentionally changed
• Dependent variable


  Changes in response to independent variable, measured
• Controlled variables


  Factors kept the same
• Uncontrolled variables


  Need to be taken into account when interpreting results
• Analysing and interpreting data


  1. Processing data (calculate average, median, range, ratios, rates, percentages, percentage changes, frequencies)

  2. Presentation of data (tables, graphs)
• Graphs


  • Title states both variables, DRY MIX - dependent variable on Y-axis, independent variable on X-axis, axis labels including units, even scale
• Tables


  • Title states both variables, data presented in columns, independent variable usually on left, each column has heading and units
• Validity


  Experiment tests what it is supposed to test, improved by ensuring only one independent variable and as many controlled variables as possible
• Reliability


  Results are consistent, improved by repetition (repeating experiment) and replication (sample size)
• Accuracy


  How close is the result to the true value, improved by using appropriate measuring equipment and taking care when measuring
• Limitations


  Where the findings do not apply to all aspects of the general topic
• Hypotheses may be disproved but cannot be proven, only supported
• Reporting on the investigation


  1. Title

  2. Introduction

  3. Materials

  4. Method

  5. Results

  6. Discussion

  7. Conclusion
• What is a hypothesis in scientific inquiry?

  A hypothesis expresses an expected relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
• How can a hypothesis be evaluated?

  A hypothesis can be either disproved or supported by experimental data.
• Give an example of a hypothesis related to sports.

  Consuming Powerade during a race will reduce the time taken to run 10km.
• What is a variable in an experiment?


  A variable is something that can change the outcome of an experiment.
• What is the independent variable in an experiment?

  The independent variable is the one variable that is manipulated to see if it affects another variable.
• What is an example of an independent variable?


  Consuming Powerade.
• What is the dependent variable in an experiment?

  The dependent variable is the responding variable that is measured.
• What is an example of a dependent variable?

  Time taken (minutes).
• What are controlled variables?

  Controlled variables are factors that could affect the outcome of the experiment and are kept constant.
• Give an example of a controlled variable.

  Amount of training.
• What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

  The control group provides base data for comparison by keeping the independent variable absent.
• What is validity in the context of an experiment?

  Validity is the extent to which tests measure what was intended.
• How can validity be improved in an experiment?

  Validity can be improved by having lots of controlled variables.
• What does accuracy refer to in scientific measurements?

  Accuracy refers to the extent to which a measurement result represents the quantity it purports to measure.
• How can accuracy be demonstrated with an example?

  Using millimeters (mm) instead of centimeters (cm) for precise measurements.
• What is reliability in the context of experiments?

  Reliability is the extent to which, when repeated, results are similar or consistent.
• How can reliability be improved in an experiment?

  Reliability can be improved by having a large sample size and repeating the experiment.
• What is a key principle of research ethics regarding participation?

  Subjects should not be coerced into taking part in an investigation.
• What is informed consent in research ethics?

  Informed consent means subjects should be informed of risks and potential benefits before consenting.
• What is the importance of ensuring no risk of harm in research?

  Safety measures need to be put in place to ensure there is no risk of physical or psychological harm.
• What does confidentiality mean in research ethics?

  Confidentiality means the identities of participants will not be revealed or made public.
• What is a conclusion in scientific inquiry?

  A conclusion is a statement that is supported or disproved by the data.
• How does a conclusion relate to the hypothesis?

  A conclusion relates back to the hypothesis under investigation.
• What is a trend in scientific data?

  A trend is used to describe the relationship between two variables using data to support evidence.