Chapter 1 Section 3 Scientific Inquiry
I The Scientific Process
Scientific Inquiry-The diverse ways in which scientists investigate
the natural world and propose explanations based on the
evidence they gather.
A. Developing a Hypothesis:
Hypothesis- Is a possible explanation for a set of
observations or answer to a scientific question.(heat causes
crickets to chirp more)
1. A Hypothesis must be testable which means that researchers
must be able to carry out investigation and gather evidence
that will either support or disprove the hypothesis.
B. Designing an Experiment
1. Hypothesis lead to predictions that can be tested.
2. All variable must be the same to test the prediction (types
of containers, thermometer)
Variable-factors that can change in an experiment.
3. Controlled experiments- an experiment in which only one
variable is manipulated at a time.
4. Manipulated Variable- also called independent variable is
the one variable that is purposely changed in an
experiment.(air temperature)
5. Responding Variable- also called the dependent variable is
the factor that may change in response to the
manipulated variable.(number of cricket chirps)
6. A controlled experiment often has a control
Control- is a part of the experiment to which you can
compare the results of the other tests. (test then increase
temp)
7. A well designed experiment will also have clear
operational definitions.
Operational Definition- is a statement that describes how
to measure a variable or define a term.( what sounds
would count as a chirp)
C. Collecting and Interpreting Data
1. For your experiment you need a data table to record your
data and a graph to interpret data.
Data- the facts, figures, and other evidence gathered
through observations.
D. Drawing Conclusions
1 A summary of what you learned from the experiment. Did
the data support the hypotheses.
E. Communicating
1. An important part of a scientific inquiry is communication
your results.
Communicating- the sharing of ideas and experimental
findings with others through writing and speaking.
F. The Nature of Inquiry
1. Often a scientific inquiry raises new questions that lead to
new hypothesis and experiments.