Unit 1 Vocab (25-26)

The one factor or condition that is intentionally changed by the experimenter.

The factor or condition that may be affected as a result of changing the independent variable. It must be measurable (your results).

All other factors or conditions in the experiment that must be kept the same.

The group that receives the independent variable (only one at a time). There can be many groups, but each one should only have one variable changed at a time so you know what caused the results.

The group that is under normal conditions and is used for comparison with the experimental group to see if there was a change caused by the independent variable.

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation or observation. If IV, then DV (make sure to use specific details). It must be testable.

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence accumulated through repeated experimentation and observation. Broad in scope and are supported by a vast amount of evidence.

Describes a recurring pattern or relationship observed in nature without necessarily providing an explanation for why the pattern occurs. Concise statements that describe how something behaves under certain conditions.

"If the temperature of water is increased, then it will decrease the time it takes for salt to dissolve."

The theory of evolution by natural selection explains how species change over time through processes of variation, natural selection, and adaptation.

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation states that every mass attracts every other mass in the universe with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.

If IV, then DV (make sure to use specific details). A good hypothesis must be testable.

Dependent Variable vs Independent Variable

Aims to describe characteristics or relationships within a population or phenomenon. They seek to answer questions like "what is happening?" or "what are the characteristics of this group?"

Aims to identify similarities and differences between two or more entities, groups, or variables. They seek to answer questions like "how do these groups differ?" or "what are the effects of different variables?"