1. Observation Information gathered using the 5 senses

2. Inference A Conclusion made on the basis of facts rather than on direct observations

3. Hypothesis An “educated statement” that is testable in the natural world Hypotheses are never “proven” They are “supported” Hypotheses are made to be rejected

4. Qualitative Data Data Described by Certain Qualities Adjectives

5. Quantitative Data Data That Can Be Measured in Numbers

6. Independent Variable The variable that the experimenter changes or manipulates

7. Dependent Variable The variable that the experimenter measures

8. When to use a bar graph Discrete data – each item is a whole and separate unit (cats and dogs) You can’t really have a cat and a half!! Compare sets of data

9. When to use a line graph Graphs most commonly used in science they show a relationship Continuous data – the points could theoretically be subdivided Additional points are always possible Graphing over time, temperature, weight

11. A Successful Experiment Includes Multiple Trials If using subjects, they are chosen at random Large sample size Tries to remove all bias