7/25/2019 3 Types of Investigations (1)

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Three Types of Science Investigations

Descriptive Investigation:

Involve describing and/or quantifying parts of a natural system. Example

observing cells under a microscope and diagramming !hat is seen.

Has a research question, procedures, and conclusionUsed when little is known about the topic

No hypothesis or prediction

Key words: Observe, describe, list, identify

"omparative Investigation:

Involve collecting data on collecting data on different populations/organisms# under

different conditions $ex. Times of year# locations%# to ma&e a comparison.

Has a research question, possible hypothesis, procedures, and conclusion.

Can have independent!anipulated and dependentresponse variables

No control control "roup

Key words: Co!parecontrast, si!ilaritydifference, cate"ori#e

Experimental Investigation:

Involve a process in !hich a 'fair test( is designed in !hich variables are actively

manipulated# controlled# and measured in an effort to gather evidence to support

or refute a causal relationship. Example) Testing the height of a ramp to

determine ho! far a marble !ill roll.

$ll known variables have been identified

Has a research question, hypothesis, procedures, control# and conclusion

Has independent!anipulated and dependentresponse variables

$ll factors can be held constant e%cept the !anipulated

*ocabulary

*ariable: factor or condition in an e%peri!ent that chan"e or can be chan"ed

Independent /+anipulated *ariable: factor or condition in an e%peri!ent that ischan"ed on purpose by you, the scientist& often called the !anipulated variable. 'his

"oes on the ( a%is of a "raph )botto!*.

Dependent / ,esponse *ariable: factor or condition in a e%peri!ent that chan"es as a

result of the independent variable& often called the respondin" variable. 'his is what you!easure and "oes on the + a%is )side*.

"onstant: factors or conditions in an e%peri!ent that are kept the sa!e in ao trials of the

e%peri!ent.

"ontrol: a set up without the variable bein" tested.