APES unit 0 Flashcards
bar graph
a diagram in which the numerical values of variables are represented by the height or length of lines or rectangles of equal width.
Biogeochemical cycles
any of the natural pathways by which essential elements of living matter are circulated
Conclusion
a statement based on experimental measurements and observations
Constant
these must be close to identical among all the subjects or it won’t be clear what is affecting the outcome; A quantity that is unknown but assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context.
Controlled variable
experimental element which is constant and unchanged throughout the course of the investigation; same as constants
control group
these subjects that remain in the original, unchanged conditions in order to provide a baseline for comparison
dependent variables
these factors are measured; they respond to changes
experimental group
the subjects that receive the changed conditions in the experiment
hypothesis
a specific, testable prediction about the outcome of the experiment
independent variable
this is the factor being changed; there should be only one per experiment
large sample size
this will increase the accuracy and validity of the data by lessening the effect of any outliers
qualitative data
descriptive, non-numerical information collected about the experiment
quantitative data
numerical information collected about the experiment
repeated trials
increase accuracy and validity of the data by ensuring that similar results occur more than once
pseudoscience
a collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method.
system
a set of components that function and interact in some regular way
null hypothesis
typical statistical theory which suggests that no statistical relationship and significance exists in a set of given single observed variable
deductive reasoning
a logical process in which a conclusion is based on the concordance of multiple premises that are generally assumed to be true.
deductive reasoning
a logical process in which a conclusion is based on the concordance of multiple premises that are generally assumed to be true.
inductive reasoning
thought processes move from specific observations to more general ones, applying the theories suggested by observation of specific circumstances to broader situations.
histogram
a graph that shows the frequency of numerical data using rectangles
negative feedback loop
a type of self-regulating system.; increased output from the system inhibits future production by the system.
positive feedback loop
occurs in nature when the product of a reaction leads to an increase in that reaction
Tragedy of the Commons
a situation in which individuals with access to a public resource (also called a common) act in their own interest and, in doing so, ultimately deplete the resource.
