Biology Lab Quiz #1 - Scientific Method Flashcards
List in order all the steps involved in the Scientific Method.
- Observation - A thing observed that prompts a question about the way the world is. (Ex. Some cookies are better than others.)
- Question - The thing which a scientist is looking to answer. (Ex. What recipe makes the best cookies?)
- Hypothesis - A proposed explanation of the observation that can be investigated. (Ex. Switching from butter to margarine will make the cookies better.)
- Experiment - A test conducted that will provide data that will either support or deny the hypothesis. (Ex. Switch butter to margarine and keep everything else the same.)
- Results - The collected data from the experiment.
- Conclusion - The conclusion will determine whether the hypothesis needs to be revised. (Ex. The cookies did not taste better with margarine.)
Define discovery science.
Learning about the natural world by making verifiable observations, taking measurements and gathering data.
Define a hypothesis.
A proposed explanation for an observation. It must be testable and the results of experiments will either support or deny the hypothesis.
Define a Theory.
A well-substantiated explanation that is much broader in scope than a hypothesis. It is more comprehensive, has not been shown to be false, and it already explains a great many observations. It is supported by a large and growing body of evidence.
Define a Controlled Experiment.
A test is run multiple times with one variable changing and all other variables held constant. Allows conclusions to be drawn about the effect of the one thing changed.
What are dependent variables and what are independent variables?
Dependent variables - The output or result under investigation.
Independent Variables - The thing being manipulated as a potential cause of an observation.
Define a control group.
One that is used to establish a baseline for an experiment.
What are the two types of control groups and define each?
Negative Control - a group for which no change is expected.
Positive Control - A group for which a change is expected.
Define a blind experiment.
Some information is withheld from the participants in the experiment to preserve impartiality and unbiased results.
What are the two types of blind experiments and define each?
Single-Blind Experiment - Experimenter knows the information but the subjects do not.
Double-Blind Experiment - Neither the experimenter nor the subjects know the information.
What is a placebo?
A medically ineffective treatment that allows as people in that group to serve as a control for the real drug.
Define pseudoscience.
Any field of study that is falsely presented as having a scientific basis.
Define anecdotal evidence.
An assertion based on a single or few examples that do not support a generalized conclusion.
Define peer review.
The evaluation of work by impartial, qualified, and often anonymous experts who are not in that work.
What are the two types of sources and define each?
Primary Source - The original material presented for the first time by the person who performed the research.
Secondary Source - A description or review of primary sources, often containing commentary.
