Ch. 2 Study Guide

1. SCIENTIFIC METHOD

1. A "habit of mind" or simply a way of knowing.
2. Tool or strategy to solve a problem
3. Making sense of the unkown.
4. Oganizing information/data

Ch. 2

Steps in Scientific Method

1. Observation--Concrete experience.  The act of recognizing and recording a fact or occurence often involving measurement with instruments.  Use of senses
2. Hypothesis--Reflective Observation. Tentative Explanation.
3. Prediction--Integration of Observation.  To foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or scientific reasoning.
4. Testing--Testing of Plan.  To put to test or proof.  Critical evaluation of an explanation.

Ch. 2

OBSERVATIONS/DATA?

• Observations are statements whicha are determined by using one of the five senses
• Casual observations are often unreliable
• Often necessary to use various engineered instruments, such as, thermometers, reulers, clocks, etc. to improve the accuracy, quality, and utility of the information obtained from an observation.
• High quality, reproducible observations are known as data

Ch. 2

OBERSERVATIONS:

• QUALITATIVE
• QUANTITATIVE

1. QUALITATIVE DATA: include descriptive words, labels, sketches, or other images.  We can describe a volcano by saying "contains large, angular fragments," "releases steam," or "the rocks are mostly gray"
2. QUANTITATIVE DATA: are numeric and are typically visualized and analyzed using data tables, calculations, equations, and graphs.

1. Concrete Experience (observation)
2. Reflective Observation (hypothesis)
3. Integration of Observation (Testing)
4. Testing