Lesson 4 - Investigations

showing similarities and differences between two or more subjects

observing and recording data and discovering facts about a subject

a test, trial, or procedure carried out for the purpose of testing a hypothesis

an actual occurrence; truth

Experimental investigations are focused on finding answers to cause and effect questions.

A descriptive investigation is performed without experimenting or changing the subject being studied. The scientist is simply trying to discover facts about the subject. He or she will observe and record data and conduct surveys or measurements can be made that will help the scientist learn more about that subject.

In a comparative investigation, two or more subjects are observed and compared. The investigative process may involve completing a project, but the project is not considered to be an experiment. The goal is to find the similarities and differences between the subjects.