Scientific Method: The "scientific method" describes the way experiments are reported, not how they are generated. Typical steps of the "scientific method" (Reporting after the fact) 1. Problem 2. Materials 3. Procedure 4. Observations 5. Results/Conclusions NOTE: The instructional sequence of the "scientific method" does not sufficiently develop the basic concepts of experimental design. Components of Experimental Design (Generating prior to experimentation) Hypothesis construction Identification of independent (Manipulated) Variable Identification of dependent (Responding) Variable Identification of constants (variables not manipulated) Designed experimental and control experiment Process for repeated trials DEFINITIONS Hypothesis: A statement about the relationship between independent and dependent variables that can be tested (If, then format suggested) Independent Variable: The variable that is purposely changed (tested/manipulated) by the experimenter. Dependent Variable: The variable that responds (measures change caused by the independent variable) to change. Constants: All factors (variables not tested) that remain the same and have a fixed value. Control: The standard (experiment without the involvement of the independent variable) for comparing experimental results. Repeated Trials: The number of experimental repetitions.

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