5 Evaluating Evidence and Improving Investigations Free Online FlashCards

What is scientific evidence?

Data or observations relevant to a scientific question that are used to support or challenge a claim.

When is evidence relevant?

Evidence is relevant when the measurement directly helps answer the scientific question.

Why collect several trials or observations?

Several trials or observations can help distinguish a real pattern from chance variation; one unusual result may mislead.

What makes an investigation fair?

Keep important variables controlled so the effect of the independent variable can be examined fairly.

What should you check when judging whether results show a consistent pattern?

Examine the full data set, including variation and results that do not fit the apparent pattern.

What limits the scope of a scientific conclusion?

Evidence supports conclusions only within the conditions and range tested; it may not justify a broader claim.

What is an alternative explanation for seedlings growing taller with more light?

If seedlings receiving more light also get more water or different soil, those differences could explain their greater growth.

What method details help others evaluate or repeat an investigation?

Describe what was changed, measured, and kept the same, and how observations or measurements were collected.

How might you improve an investigation when measurements vary widely?

Standardize the procedure, choose a more suitable measuring tool, or collect more trials.

What makes evidence reliable?

Evidence is reliable when the method would produce similar results if repeated under similar conditions.

How can an investigation distinguish between alternative explanations?

Ask whether each explanation fits the data, then design a new test that controls relevant factors or separates the explanations.

What belongs in a useful scientific report?

A useful report includes the question and claim, method, results, reasoning, limitations and uncertainty, and possible next steps.