Scientific investigations
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Question/problem –What do you want to know
Hypothesis- logical prediction for the question or
problem
Variables- Factors that can change in an
investigation
Independent-(Cause) the factor that is purposely made
different by the experimenter to see what happens.
 Dependent- (Effect) The factor that is measured to see
how the independent variable changes the outcome.
 Constant- variables that are kept the same for the
experiment.
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Data- All observations and measurements made in
the investigation
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Define a problem
Form a Hypothesis- prediction of what will
happen in the investigation
Plan an investigation
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Experiment- the plan on how to test the problem
 Identify Variables
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Collecting Data- recorded and properly organized
Interpreting Data- use logical reasoning backed up
with the evidence gained
Drawing Conclusions- Says whether the
hypothesis was supported, refuted, or
inconclusive. Most conclusions raise questions
that must be further tested.
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Supporting evidence is well documented
Variables are controlled as much as possible
Experiments are repeated multiple times by
the original investigator
Investigations are replicated by other
scientists
Before publishing a study, Other scientists
review the article. (Peer Review)
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Most reliable:
Scientific Journals
 Books published by scientists about their field of
study.
 Internet sources such as:
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 Government or Academic webpages
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Unreliable
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Commercial internet sources
Blogs by non-scientists
Non-peer reviewed sources