This document defines key terms used in the scientific method, including observations, questions/problems/purposes, hypotheses, materials, procedures, data, conclusions, communication/theories, independent variables, dependent variables, constants, control groups, and experimental groups. It explains that observations are gathered through the senses, questions define what is being investigated, hypotheses are predicted answers, materials and procedures are used to test hypotheses, data is collected, and conclusions are drawn based on results. Repeated experiments that produce similar results can lead to theories being communicated among scientists.

1. Scientific Method Vocabulary

2. Inference
• An assumption based on facts or
observations, eventhough it is NOT stated
Observations
• Information gathered through the 5 senses-seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling

3. Question/Problem/Purpose
• What you are trying to find out
• Why the experiment is being done
• Usually written in the form of a question

4. Hypothesis or Prediction
• What you think will happen
• What do you think is the correct answer
• a probable solution to the problem based on
knowledge you already have

5. Materials
• Part of the experiment
• a list of supplies or tools that are used
during the experiment
Procedures
• Step-by-step instructions
• What you will do to solve the problem
• How you will test the hypothesis

6. Data
• Information gathered in an experiment
• What you will look for during the
experiment
• Charts, graphs, tables, diagrams

7. Conclusions
• A decision based on facts gathered during
the experiment
• What the results of the experiment tell you
about the problem and about your
hypothesis

8. Communication or Theory
• When scientists (others) repeat an
experiment over and over, and the results
are similar (or validated), then the
hypothesis becomes a theory
• Whenever an experiment is repeated and
the results are validated, scientists (others)
communicate (tell) their results to others

9. Independent Variable
• The part of the experiment (factor) that you,
the experimenter, change and have control
over
Dependent Variable
• The experimental factor that changes
because during or as a result of the
experiment, and you did NOT change
yourself

10. Constants
• Things (factors) that stay the same during
the entire experiment so that the dependent
variable can be observed

11. Control Group
• A group in the experiment that is NOT
changed by the experimenter
• The group in the experiment that is left
alone
• The “natural” group

12. Experimental Group
• The group in the experiment that is changed
by the person conducting the experiment
• The group that you work with