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Peer-Check: Types of Scientific Investigations

11/12/2013

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1.  What are the four types of scientific investigations?

The four types of scientific investigations are controlled investigations, field investigations, design investigations, and secondary research investigations.

2.  Why are controlled investigations/experiments usually conducted indoors?

Controlled investigations/experiments are usually conducted indoors because the scientist must control the environmental conditions, such as the temperature, humidity, amount of light, amount of noise, materials, etc.

3.  How is a field investigation like a controlled investigation?

A field investigation is like a controlled investigation in that both investigations, the scientist chooses to observe and measure how one change (IV) has a measurable effect (DV) on something else.  

4.  How is a field investigation different from controlled investigation?

The key difference between a field investigation and a controlled investigation is that the scientist does not change anything in the environment in a field investigation, but rather, gathers data on the conditions or situations that already exist.

5.  What is a design investigation?

A design investigation is an experiment in which the scientist changes the design of something (IV) in order to create the effect desired (by the scientist).  

6.  Can a secondary research investigation use data from different sources?  Explain.

Yes, a secondary research investigation can use data from different sources.  The data that is used can come from the internet, in print, or other sources.  

7.  What is the major advantage to a secondary research investigation?

The major advantage to a secondary research investigation is that the scientist can take advantage of very large data sets that have been gathered over many years or over very large areas.  Therefore, the scientist can study long-term cause and effect relationships.


8.  Jason wants to find out if the members on his soccer team who wear cleats during a game kick the ball further than those who do not wear cleats.  What type of investigation will Jason conduct?  Explain.

Jason will conduct a field investigation.  Jason will observe and measure how one change (IV) has a measurable effect (DV) on something else.  However, Jason does not change anything in the environment (he has no control over the the other actions/choices/behaviors of the team), but rather, gathers data on the conditions or situations that already exist.

9.  Brandon wants to find out what type of video game console heats up to a higher temperature.  Brandon will use the exact same game in each console and will play for the exact same amount of time in the same room.  What type of investigation will Brandon conduct?  Explain.

Brandon will conduct a controlled experiment.  In order to have a fair test, Brandon needs to make sure to control the environmental conditions, such as the temperature of the room before the test, the game being used, the individuals playing the game, the amount of time playing the game, etc.

10.  Jennifer wants to know if the amount of sleep people receive over a lifetime has an effect on how long they live.  What type of investigation will Jennifer conduct?  Explain.

Jennifer will conduct a secondary research investigation.  She will use data that have been collected by other scientists over the lifetime of many different individuals to answer her question.  Since this is a long-term study, Jennifer cannot simply use data from a controlled experiment.  

11.  Alec wants to find out how the circumference of his skateboard wheels affects his speed.  Alec tests out three different wheel sizes.  What type of investigation will Alec conduct?  Explain.

Alec will conduct a design investigation.  He is changing the design of something (IV) in order to create an effect desired (to go faster).  

12.  Ms. Shon wants to know if the amount of rainfall has an effect on the number of roses that grow on her rose bush.  What type of investigation will Ms. Shon conduct?  Explain.

Ms. Shon will conduct a field investigation.  She will observe and measure how one change (IV) has a measurable effect (DV) on something else.  However, Ms. Shon does not change anything in the environment (she has no control over the amount of rainfall), but rather, gathers data on the conditions or situations that already exist.
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