Think Critically and Logically

Start with a pattern or observation and connect it to a relevant concept. Be consistent and use the concept throughout your explanation of all the data. 

Whether you’re providing feedback to a classmate or thinking critically about your own work, follow this checklist, Criteria for Providing Feedback on Scientific Explanations from Science Formative Assessment, to make your thinking effective.

Evaluate Reliability of Data and Information

It is important to remember that anyone can add information to the Internet.  It is up to you to make sure that information is accurate and reliable.  This is where CRAAP comes in! 

Long Description

You can evaluate the reliability of your results and the conclusion you can make from them by comparing your findings to other information: this could be your control group, other results from similar investigations, or an outside reputable source of information.

Evaluate Whether Data Supports or Refutes Hypotheses and Predictions

An important part of the Analysis portion of a lab write-up or other investigation is to compare the conclusions from the results to your hypothesis. Complete the following interactive on Experimental Design from the Dallas County Community College.

Long Description

Draw Conclusions

A conclusion should be the place where you can convince the reader. In a persuasive writing style, like an essay, the aim is to convince your reader through the whole work.

Identify Sources of Error or Bias

The following article explains the different kinds of experimental errors and bias.