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In the example contained in Lesson
2 What is the Scientific Method? you would set up several
identical experiments (called "controls") with only
the hamburger meat being changed. The other variables
for the experiment, such as the brand and quality of
the bread, the amount of spread that you apply to each
hamburger and the temperature and humidity of the room
where the experiment is conducted, must be kept the
same for every experiment. Obviously, the type
of meat should be kept constant (for example, there
could be a big difference in the level of greasiness
between beef and chicken). You should also make sure
to purchase all meat from the same grocer. This
is because the prices of meat vary across grocers (similarly
priced meat from different grocers may not be of the
same quality).
All of these variables are called
control variables. Notice that when designing the procedure
for your project, you must include steps for measuring
the results of all experiments.
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- Repeat each experiment many times to be certain of your results.
- Have multiple control experiments.
- Have exactly one independent variable during an experiment.
- Record and organize data carefully.
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Watch out!
Because you need to prove your hypothesis
before it can become a theory, this means that all scientific
theory must be backed up by reproducible tests. These
tests must be reproducible by other people. That is
why it is so important for you to keep good, systematic
records of your experiment!
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