ch1

• hypothesis


  a prediction based on scientific reasoning that can

  be tested experimentally - basis of the scientific bottle
• methodology


  a brief description of the general approach taken to investigate the research question or hypothesis and the reasons why this approach is taken
• method


  the specific steps that are taken to collect data during the

  investigation
• independent variable


  manipulated factor
• dependent variable


  what is measured when the independent variable is measured
• controlled variables


  factors kept the same
• research question


  defines what is being investigated
• aim


  detailed statement describing what will be investigated
• primary sources


  information created by a person directly involved in an

  investigation
• secondary sources


  information a synthesis, review or interpretation of primary sources
• point sampling


  counting organisms only at selected points
• quadrat sampling


  allows you to estimate the number and variety of organisms in a large area by counting their number in a small area
• transect sampling


  a straight line along which vegetation is sampled
• mark-recapture


  animals are captured, marked and then released
• primary data


  the measurements or observations that you collect during your investigation
• secondary data


  data not personally collected
• raw data


  the data you record in your logbook
• processed data


  raw data that has been organised, altered or analysed to produce meaningful information
• qualitative data


  can be counted but not measured
• quantitative data


  data about numeric variables
• discrete variables


  can be counted or measured, but which can only have certain values
• continuous variables


  any number value within a given range that can be measured
• true value


  value, or range of values, that would be obtained if the variable could be measured perfectly
• provisional data


  subject to revision
• accuracy


  ability to obtain the true value of the variable being measured
• precision


  how closely a set of measurements agree with each other
• repeatability


  the ability to obtain the same results if an experiment is repeated under the exact same set of experimental conditions
• reproduceability


  the ability to obtain the same results if an experiment is repeated under different conditions
• validity


  whether your results measure what the investigation set out to measure