Glossary Control - An event or condition that is not subject to change. The control helps the observer determine if there are influences that were not taken into account during the design of an experiment. Experiment - Activity or series of activities conducted under very specific conditions. An experiment is a deliberate manipulation. Hypothesis - An possible explanation that is postulated with regard to some aspect of nature that has been carefully examined by experimentation.
All hypotheses are provisional.
Scientific Method - Testing of hypotheses that have been formulated following careful examination of some aspect of nature. Theory - A hypothesis that is broadly supported and has stood the test of time. Variable - An event or condition that is subject to change.