Hypothesis
possible explanation for a set of observations or possible answer to a scientific question
Quantitative data
numerical data
qualitative data
Information describing color, odor, shape, or some other physical characteristic
Observation
process of noticing and describing events or processes in a careful, orderly way
independent variable
variable that is manipulated
dependent variable
The outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.
controlled experiment
experiment in which only one variable is changed
Inference
A logical interpretation based on prior knowledge and experience.
Theory
well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations
control group
Group in an experiment that is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group except for one independent variable