Scientific Method & Controlled Experiments Study Guide

1. Name: • Date: Period: • Chapter 1 Study Guide • Thinking Like a Scientist • Differentiatebetween quantitative and qualitative observations. • List 3 examples of quantitative observations. • List 3 examples of qualitative observations. • Relate the word “inference” to the word “observation.” • Explain how an inference is different from a fact. • Relate the word “hypothesis” to the word “inference.” • A new parrot species is discovered in the rainforest. Some of the parrots are larger, more colorful, and more aggressive; others are smaller, dull-colored, and shy. Large and small parrots are often observed living together in pairs, raising chicks. Based on this data, make an inference about the parrots. • Scientists studying the parrots in question #6 want to know why some members of the species are larger than others. Based on the inference you made, create a hypothesis explaining why some parrots are larger that others. • Another scientist hypothesizes that some of the parrots are larger than others because they grew up eating an insect that is now extinct. Explain why this is not a good hypothesis. • Explain why the hypothesis in question #7, even if it is supported by an experiment, would not be considered a theory. • The Scientific Method • List the steps of the scientific method in order. • Explain why researchers do background research before constructing a hypothesis. • Explain why researchers conduct experiments. • Relate the word “conclusion” to the word “data.”

2. Relate the word “conclusion” to the word “hypothesis.” • A scientist analyzes the data from his experiment and concludes that his hypothesis is not supported by the data. Explain why he does not have to return to step 1 of the scientific method. • Explain why “theory” is not included in the steps of the scientific method. • Designing a Controlled Experiment • Relate “Redi” to the term “spontaneous generation.” • State Red’s hypothesis. • In the diagram on the right, label the manipulated variable. • In the diagram on the right, label the responding variable. • Explain what “controlled” means in the context of a controlled experiment. • List 3 variables that Redi controlled in his experiment. • Relate the term “controlled experiment” to the term “manipulated variable.” • Explain why there is only one manipulated variable in a controlled experiment. • Explain what “responding” means in the context of a “responding variable.” • A drug company is about to start testing a new drug that they think will help people lose weight. Predict what the the manipulated and responding variables will be. • Explain how the gauze covering in Redi’s experiment is similar to the Axe spray in the Axe experiment. • Explain how the maggots in Redi’s experiment are similar to the ladies’ phone numbers in the Axe experiment. • A group of researchers want to study zebra migration patterns. While they are doing a field study, why do the researchers try to work without making the animals aware that humans are present?