Final answer:
The goal of an experiment is to understand the relationship between a manipulated independent variable and an observed dependent variable, to draw conclusions relevant to the overarching project's objectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The goal of an experiment typically involves investigating the relationship between two variables: the independent variable, which is manipulated, and the dependent variable, which is observed to see how it is affected by changes in the independent variable. The purpose of this step in a mini project is to provide evidence and understanding that contribute to the main objectives of the project. By carrying out the experiment and observing the outcome, the experimenter can draw conclusions about the causal relationship between the variables and how they relate to the broader phenomena under study.
For example, in a laboratory experiment studying plant growth, the goal might be to determine how different amounts of light affect the growth rate of plants. This would involve setting up different treatments with varied light intensities and measuring the growth of plants to understand the relationship between light and plant development.
In the specific scenario where a scientist is growing bacteria on two types of gel, Gel A and Gel B, the independent variable would be the gel type, while the dependent variable would be the number of bacteria observed after a set time period. This experiment would help reveal any differences in growth rates between the two gels.