An Evidence Based Argument adapted from Jane Nelson
Arguments arise only when people realize they disagree about something, and it can only be resolved if they decide to reach agreement.
Scientific argument is a productive dialogue to achieve consensus. Sandoval et. al
From qualitative and or qualitative observations, it is appropriate to hypothesize a relationship between ___________________ and_____________________.
In order to determine a mathematical relationship, data is collected and recorded in a chart or table.
A brief description of the equipment used and procedures followed are attached.
The independent or manipulated variable was _________________________.
The variable that seems to depend upon the manipulated variable that was measured is the dependent or responding variable.
This variable was ______________________.
Other variables that might affect the dependent variable and that needed to be held constant to insure they are not the cause of any changes were
___________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
The corresponding values of the dependent variable versus the independent variable were graphed, and a pattern was determined. (Skip the next sentence if the pattern forms a straight line.)
If the pattern forms a curve, the independent variable was __________________ __________________ so that the pattern formed a straight line. (Report if further mathematical manipulations were required.)
Once a straight-line graphical pattern formed, a four-step analysis was performed.
The equation of the straight line was translated into general physics terms.
The physical interpretation of the data was presented in the following equation. _____________________________________________________
Therefore, the hypothesis of a relationship between _______________________ and __________________________ was shown for the data collected under the controlled conditions described.
A good experiment attempts to control all variables except the variable(s) that are being manipulated, to see if a change can be observed and a cause and effect relationship can be reasoned.
Variable is a property or condition that
can change. A variable may or may not cause a significant change.
Manipulated variable is the variable the experimenter decides to change to see if there is or is not an effect.
Responding variable is the variable that will change as a result of the change in the manipulated variable. It is observed and measured to determine the quantity or quality
of change.
When we plot information on a graph the manipulated variable is always plotted on the X - axis and the respondingvariable is always plotted on the Y - axis.
Independent variable is another name for manipulated variable. It is independently selected by the experimenter to be manipulated and is not affected by other variables it is (independent of them).
Dependent variable is observed by the experimenter and responds to the manipulated, or independent variable, if there is a relationship. Relationships, which can be represented in a chart or
graph.
Before deciding to use a chart or graph a person needs to decide if the data is continuous or categorical.
Continuous data is represented on a continuum with infinite possibilities. Temperature for example is represented by whole numbers, decimal numbers, and fractions.
Categorical data is represented with a limited number of examples (discrete, finite, not continuous). While categorical data may be continuous or infinite to start, when it is grouped into categories, it is categorical. Even if there is an other category. Examples: Temperature: hot, medium, or cold; Vehicle color: dark, medium, light; Numerical: none, some, half, most, all; People's favorite foods ... Categories limit possibilities.
Continuous data is best shown on a line graph and categorical in bar, pie, or other kinds of charts.
Extrapolation is a prediction that is made from outside (extra) the data points collected and represented on the graph.
Interpolation is a prediction that is made between the data points (inter, like interstate, between or among states).
Relationship is the way two or more variables, concepts, objects, or people are connected.
