Investigation Notes

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What is meant by a 'variable'?

A variable is a factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. An experiment has three types of variables: independent, dependent, and controlled. Below it explains what the three variables measure.

Types of Variables

There are 3 types of variables; Dependant, Independent and Controlled.

Dependant = A variable whose value depends on that of another.

Independent = An independent variable is a variable that is changed and does not rely on another variable.

Controlled = A variable/s that stays the same through every test and does not affect the outcome of the experiment.

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Scientific Process/Method

This is the order with which scientists go about when conducting an experiment.

1. Observation/ Question, This is the motive for your experiment.

2. Aim, What you are trying to prove.

3. Research, Finding out background information that is needed to conduct your experiment.

4. Hypothesis, This is your prediction about the outcome of the experiment, it doesn't have to be right.

5. Experiment, A procedure which you go through to test your hypothesis.

6. Collect Data, Record the result of your experiment.

7. Analysis, Examine the data you've collected and look for relationships e.t.c

8. Conclusion, Compare your hypothesis to your experiment results.

Definitions

Hypothesis = A prediction or proposed explanation made on limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

AIm = An aim identifies the purpose of the investigation.

Method = A particular procedure for approaching something.

Observations = the action or process of closely observing or monitoring something or someone.