1. Scientific Method

2. Scientific method: A logical and orderly way to solve a problem. No one set “THE Scientific Method”

3. Steps in the scientific method 1. Observe 2. State problem 3. Gather information 4. Form hypothesis 5. Experiment & record data 6. State conclusion These steps are not set in stone.

4. Hypothesis: A statement that attempts to explain an event or observation. Should be testable Should show the relationship between two variables If, then format

5. Ex- If people are exposed to high amounts of UV light then they will have higher frequencies of skin cancer.

6. Variables 1. Independent variable (IV)- the variable the scientists controls (cause) Ex- UV light 2. Dependent variable (DV)- the variable that is measured or observed (effect) Ex- frequency of skin cancer

7. Manipulated Variable= IV Responding Variable=DV

8. Constants: Parts of the experiment that are the same between the control group and the experimental group. (The only variable that the scientist can change is the IV.) Ex- same age, same skin tone, etc.

9. Control Part of the experiment that is not experimented on; a comparison group under normal conditions (no independent variable). Required to make experiment valid. Ex- Have a group of people not exposed to high amounts of UV light.

10. Types of Data Quantitative data: information about quantities. Information that can be measured and written down with numbers. Ex: shoe size, height Qualitative data: information about qualities; information that can't actually be measured with numbers. Ex: eye color

11. The age of your car. Quantitative The number of hairs on your knuckle. Quantitative The softness of a cat. Qualitative The color of the sky. Qualitative The number of pennies in your pocket. Quantitative

12. Valid- believable, justifiable To make an experiment valid it must have: –A control –Have enough trials –Have one IV

13. Make these observations into testable hypotheses. Then identify the IV, DV, control, and 1 constant. 1. My cholesterol was really high when I ate at McDonald’s everyday. 2. I got a 100% on a math test after I had a good night’s sleep. 3. My friend that speeds all the time has had 3 accidents. 4. During a rainy summer, I got many mosquito bites.