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Problem Statements

Problem Statements.

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Problem Statements

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  1. Problem Statements • A problem statement is a question statement that identifies what needs to be solved. Problem statements are formed as questions because they are identifying something that needs an answer. A problem statement should be specific so that anyone reading or hearing it knows exactly what needs to be measuredto answer the question. Problem statements must include the independent variable, the dependent variable, and a control.

  2. Words to Use and Avoid • Words to use to help generate measurable data: • “higher number” • “increase in…population, rate, etc” • “decrease in…” • Words to avoid (will not generate measurable data): • “longer” • “better” • “faster” • “more effective” • general words that do not identify specifically what is being talked about, such as “it”

  3. Variables • Variables are things that change. • Independent Variable (also known as the “manipulated variable”): • The independent variable is the variable that is being changed by the scientist. It is the “cause” in the experiment. The independent variable is sometimes referred to as the “manipulated variable.” When identifying the independent variable, be specific about what is being changed. • Use the mnemonic “I-change variable” to help remember what the independent variable is, but do not use that as a definition.

  4. Variables • Dependent Variable (also known as the “responding variable”): • The dependent variable is what happens as the independent variable is changed. It is the “effect” in the experiment. The dependent variable is sometimes referred to as the “responding variable.” When identifying the dependent variable, be specific about what is happening.

  5. Controls and Constants • The control (comparison) group is the part of the experiment that provides a comparison for the independent variable. The control group does not get “treated” with anything or have anything changed. • Constants are exactly what they sound like: things that stay constant throughout the experiment. It is important the only the independent variable change in the experiment. Any factor that changes could impact the outcome.

  6. Example • Scenario: • Catalase is an enzyme that breaks hydrogen peroxide down into water and oxygen gas. Oxygen gas production over time can be used to measure the rate of this reaction. Temperature can affect the rate of hydrogen peroxide decomposition by catalase.

  7. Acceptable and Unacceptable Problem Statements • Acceptable Problem Statement: • Will the rate(3) of oxygen production(4) from the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide by catalase be more if the temperature(5)of the water bath is changed from room temperature(3)(2) ? (1) • 1 Is it formed as a question? • 2 Does your problem statement include a control? • 3 Are the variables measurable? • 4 Does your statement include the independent variable? • 5 Does your statement include the dependent variable? • Unacceptable Problem Statement: • What temperature is better for catalase? • What makes catalase work faster?

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