01 / 20

Analyze
Scientific Data

Learn to reason from tables, graphs, and measurements to draw valid conclusions.

GED Science

What Is Scientific Data?

Scientific data are the recorded observations and measurements collected during an experiment or study. Data become useful only when we analyze them — that is, look for patterns, trends, and relationships.

Three Terms to Know

Variable
A factor that can change or be measured, such as temperature or time.
Trend
The general direction the data moves — increasing, decreasing, or staying flat.
Conclusion
A claim that the data support as evidence, not a guess beyond the data.

Reading a Line Graph

Plant Height (cm) Day upward trend

The Evidence Rule

If the data show that taller plants got more water, you can conclude water and height are related. You cannot conclude water caused the growth unless the experiment controlled all other factors.

Describing a Relationship

When one variable goes up as another goes up, the relationship is positive. When one goes up as the other goes down, it is negative.

Correlation vs. Causation

Correlation Causation
MeaningTwo variables move togetherOne variable produces the other
Evidence neededA pattern in the dataA controlled experiment
Safe to claim?Often yesOnly with controls

A Four-Step Approach

1
Read the labels. Identify the variables, units, and what each axis or column shows.
2
Find the trend. Does the value go up, down, or stay flat?
3
Compare specific points. Use real numbers from the data, not estimates.
4
State only what's supported. Match your conclusion to the evidence.

Example 1: Reading a Table

Temperature (°C)Reaction Time (s)
1060
2042
3028
4015

Example 2: Interpreting a Graph

Bacteria Count Hours rapid growth

Example 3: Avoiding Overreach

A study finds that towns with more ice cream sales also have more sunburns. A student concludes: "Ice cream causes sunburns."

Common Mistakes

✕ Confusing the axes
Misreading which variable is on x and which is on y reverses the whole conclusion.
✕ Claiming causation
Assuming one variable caused another from a pattern alone.
✕ Going beyond the data
Predicting values far outside the measured range without support.

Quick Summary

StepAsk Yourself
LabelsWhat variables and units are shown?
TrendUp, down, or flat?
PointsWhat do the actual numbers say?
ConclusionIs my claim fully supported?

Time to Practice

You'll now answer 5 questions. For each one, read the data carefully, find the trend, and choose the conclusion that the evidence supports.

Question 1 of 5

A graph shows that as study hours increase, test scores also increase. What relationship does this show?

Question 2 of 5

A table shows that as temperature rises, the time for ice to melt decreases. This is best described as:

Question 3 of 5

A survey finds towns with more libraries have more coffee shops. Which conclusion is valid?

Question 4 of 5

Before drawing a conclusion from a line graph, what should you identify first?

Question 5 of 5

A table records plant height from Day 1 to Day 10. A student concludes the plant will be 2 meters tall by Day 100. This conclusion is:

You Can Analyze Data

Read the labels, find the trend, use real numbers, and state only what the evidence supports. That's how you reason from data to sound conclusions.