1A-Methodology & Philosophy

Question 1

Scientific method

Answer 1

Logical problem solving technique (10 main steps)

Question 2

Observation-1

Answer 2

discovery of an unexpected event or phenomenon

Question 3

Research question(s)-2

Answer 3

guides literature & hypothesis construction

Question 4

Research-3

Answer 4

review of relevant literature

Question 5

Hypothesis-4

Answer 5

A prediction that purposes a cause, predicts cause and effect. Written in the if-then format

Question 6

Null Hypothesis

Answer 6

expected cause has no effect on the outcome

Question 7

Conclusion

Answer 7

statement that confirms or rejects the hypothesis

Question 8

Theory

Answer 8

statement of understanding, based on challenged evidence, scientifically supported explanation

Question 9

Test of hypothesis-5

Answer 9

A controlled scientific experiment

Question 10

Independent variable

Answer 10

one manipulated by research

Question 11

Dependent variable

Answer 11

the factor being measured

Question 12

Control

Answer 12

or controlled group…does not receive any treatment, used for comparison

Question 13

Analysis of data-6

Answer 13

data:supports hypothesis–>conclusion
rejects hypothesis–>data may be used as research
to help construct new hypothesis
Charts/tables: independent variable=left or top
dependent variable=right or bottom
Graph: independent variable=x or horizontal axis
dependent variable= y or vertical axis

Question 14

Conclusion-9

Answer 14

concluding statement accepting-8 or rejecting-9 the hypothesis

Question 15

Communication-10

Answer 15

All data, communicating results advances understanding. Conclusions–>Concepts, Concepts–>Theories, Theories–>Natural Laws

Question 16

Characteristics of research

Answer 16

Skepticism: treat new data with doubt
Tolerance of uncertainty: like assembling a jigsaw puzzle
Research bias: can’t overlook flaws/misread data

Question 17

Theory

Answer 17

scientific explanations of a phenomena, collection of hypothesis

Question 18

Fact

Answer 18

something that is always true, verifiability is the test of it

Question 19

Scientific Law

Answer 19

formal universal science statement describing the phenomenon

Question 20

Models

Answer 20

simplified substitutes that make concepts or processes easier to visualize and understand

Question 21

scientific design

Answer 21

procedure used to create a fair test of a hypothesis

Question 22

experimental design

Answer 22

blueprint of the procedure for a fair test of a hypothesis, including data collection which must include the who, how, when and what

Question 23

problem statement

Answer 23

is a clear definition of the problem being investigated

Question 24

treatment group

Answer 24

is the population that will receive the independent variable/”treatment”

Question 25

variables

Answer 25

factors that if not distributed equally between controlled and treatment groups may confound the experiment results

Question 26

uncontrolled variables

Answer 26

major source of experimental error, could render data useless

Question 27

types of errors in experimental design

Answer 27

Human error, instrument limitations, manipulation, external influences, poor experimental design, sampling