Experimental Design Vocabulary
1. EXPERIMENTAL
DESIGN
(The Scientific Method)
2. Paul Revere Hates Eggs
and Cheese!
A step-by-step procedure that scientists used
to do experiments.
4. INFERENCE
(Synonym = assumption,
judgment)
An explanation of why something happened.
An inference is how you explain what you
observed.
5. PROBLEM
(Synonym = purpose,
question)
The question that the experiment is designed
to answer. It is the reason that you are doing
the experiment.
6. HYPOTHESIS
(Synonym = guess)
A possible answer to your experiment’s
problem. It is a prediction that can be tested.
7. PROCEDURE
(Synonym = directions,
steps)
8. DATA
(Synonym = information)
The steps taken to carry out an experiment.
(Experimental Design Steps: Problem,
Research, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analysis,
Conclusion)
To examine something closely using all of
3. OBSERVATION
(Synonym = examination) your senses. An observation does not include
opinions.
9. ANALYSIS
10.CONCLUSION
11. CONSTANTS
12. CONTROL
(or CONTROL
GROUP)
Measurements & facts obtained from the
experiment. Data are used as a basis for
drawing conclusions.
An examination of the results of the
experiment. A search for relationships within
the data (often by using graphs).
Compares the hypothesis to the experiment’s
results. A search for relationships within the
data.
Factors which remain the same throughout
the experiment; constants do not change or
vary.
The item or group of items which are the
standard for comparison. A test that is
performed by removing the independent
variable.
Experimental Design Vocabulary
13. INDEPENDENT
VARIABLE
(Synonym: manipulated
variable)
14. DEPENDENT
VARIABLE
(Synonym: responding
variable)
The part of the experiment that the scientist
changes on purpose.
The part of the experiment that changes as a
result of the independent variable. The
dependent variable is the change that you are
measuring.
15. THEORY
A scientifically testable general principle
offered to explain something in nature. It can
accurately predict the outcome of future
experiments and observations.
16. LAW
Something that has been proven to occur over
and over again whenever certain conditions
exist or are met.
17. LENGTH
The measure of how long something is; the
measurement of anything from end to end;
metric base unit= meters.
18. VOLUME
The amount of space something fills up or
occupies; metric base unit= liters.
19. MASS
The amount of matter in something; metric
base unit = grams.
20. METRIC SYSTEM
A measurement system based on 10’s and is
used internationally.
(International System of
Units)
21. King Henry Died
Monday Drinking
Chocolate Milk
Kilo (1000), Hecto (100), Deca (10)
Metric Base Unit (meters, liters, grams)
Deci (0.1), Centi (0.01), Milli (0.001)
Experimental Design Vocabulary
HONORS ONLY:
HONORS ONLY:
22. QUALITATIVE DATA An observation that is based upon something
that cannot be measured (quality). (Examples:
sweetness, color, smell, taste)
23. QUANTITATIVE
DATA
Measurable data gathered in a numeric form
(quantity). (Examples: length, volume, mass,
temperature, pH, pressure)
24. VALIDITY
(adj. - VALID)
A statement or quality of being true and
reasonable.
25. INVALID
A statement or quality of being false and not
reasonable.
26. BIAS
A preformed judgment or unfavorable
opinion about something.
27. EXPERIMENTAL
GROUP
The group that has variables acting upon it so
that it can be compared with the results of the
control group.