bar graph A type of graph in which comparisons are made through lines of differing lengths.
bias Prejudice; not keeping feelings or views separated from objective observation or actions.
conclusion Interpretation based on outcome of results. An answer to the question studied in the research.
control group A test group that shows "normal" conditions. This group typically has nothing done to it; so the results from analyzing the group show the standard case.
controls Factors that are not to be changed in an experiment. Variables that are to be controlled.
data Information gathered from your observations or measurements.
database The complete set of data and information from experiments or research.
dependent variable The factor that changes as a result of altering the conditions of an experiment. An independent variable operates by itself. A dependent variable is affected by changing some independent variable.
experiment A planned investigation.
experimental group A group of subjects to which variables are applied.
hypothesis Statement of an idea that can be tested experimentally. States what the experimenter believes will happen as a result of the experiment.
incandescent lighting Light produced by heat.
independent variable The item, quantity, or condition that is altered to observe what will happen; something that can be changed in an experiment without causing a change in other variables.
line graph Type of graph in which data or relationship are connected or highlighted with lines.
observation What one sees in the course of an experiment.
predict To determine the outcome of something before it happens.
probability The chance of something happening.
procedures Steps that must be followed to perform an experiment.
qualitative analysis Analysis made subjectively, without measurement.
quantitative analysis Analysis made objectively, with measurement.
raw data Experimental information that has not been processed, adjusted or synthesized in such a way as to focus on the relationships important for the conclusion.
scientific method Procedure to determine scientific truth. Typically involves the statement of an hypothesis, a set of experiments to prove or disprove the hypothesis and the formulation of conclusions from the experiments.
statistics A collection of facts and information and typically processed or placed into different classifications.
variable A condition that is changed to test the hypothesis, or a condition that changes as a result of testing the hypothesis.