Title: Scientific Reasoning - Planning Descriptive and Comparative Investigations | Texas Gateway
Headings: Scientific Reasoning - Planning Descriptive and Comparative Investigations
Scientific Reasoning - Planning Descriptive and Comparative Investigations
Descriptive Vs. Comparative Investigations
Making Observations
Reset
Making Inferences
Asking Well-Defined Questions

Content: In comparative investigations, scientists look for patterns or trends by comparing similarities and differences over time and under various circumstances. Identifying the boiling points of three different liquids, and using a hand lens to observe the external anatomy of 2 different insects are examples of comparative investigations. Descriptive Investigations
Comparative Investigations
Observations made about an organism, substance, reaction, or biological process
Collect quantitative and/or qualitative data
Include the following parts of scientific inquiry
Observations
Scientific Question
Procedure
Data, Graphs, Analysis
Conclusion
Example: How does an amoebae move? Comparing the effect of a variable on two or more groups
Includes all the parts of an experiment except the control group
Include the following parts of scientific inquiry
Observations
Scientific Question
Hypothesis
Procedure
Variables: Independent and Dependent
Data, Graphs, Analysis
Conclusion
Example: Which leaf A or B has a greater rate of transpiration? Let's see what you have learned about descriptive and comparative investigations. Read each statement and decide which type of investigation it is. Question
Descriptive
Comparative
How frequently does it rain in the month of August?