Planning Investigations Keywords

When planning scientific investigations, it is crucial to understand the key components that make up a well-structured experiment. One of these is the variable, which is any factor that can be changed, measured, or controlled. Variables are divided into three main types: independent, dependent, and control variables. The independent variable is the one condition that is deliberately altered before the experiment to observe its effect; it is essential for ensuring a fair test, which requires only one independent variable to be changed at a time. The dependent variable, on the other hand, is the condition that is measured during or after the experiment, and it is possible to measure multiple dependent variables simultaneously.

Control variables are conditions that must remain constant throughout the experiment to avoid influencing the outcome. In addition to these variables, a well-phrased question is formulated to link the independent and dependent variables and define the nature of the investigation. Predictions and hypotheses are also made, with the former being an educated guess about the experiment's outcome and the latter a testable statement. The methodology of the experiment is detailed in a series of numbered steps, specifying the equipment needed and the precise actions to be taken. Risks are assessed to ensure safety during the experiment by identifying hazards and stating preventive measures. Lastly, the type of test is considered, with a fair test involving numerical independent and dependent variables, while a comparative test examines the properties of different categories, such as classifying objects based on their transparency.