Writing a Problem Statement

Changing the “Ask a question” to a cause – effect statement.

Two Steps

Step 1

• Identify variablesIndependent variableDependent variable

Step 2

• Choose one of the three problem statements below and fill in iv = independent variable and dv = dependent variable.

1. What is the effect of ___iv___ on ___dv___?2. How do/does ___iv___ affect ___dv___?3. To what extent do/does ___iv___ affect

___dv___?

EXAMPLE

Question – Does moisture effect yard snails?moisture - independent variable yard snails – dependent variable

Example 1 – What is the effect of moisture on yard snails?

Example 2 – To what extent does moisture affectyard snails?

Writing an Hypothesis

• Must be a researched, educated guess.

• Most often is an “if, then” statement and must include the independent variable and dependent variable. The statement sets up a cause-effect relationship.

– Ex. If I ___ iv______, then ____dv_______.

EXAMPLE

If I change the moisture, then the # of yard snails will be affected.