Ch 1 - Scientific Thinking Flashcards
What is scientific method?
The process by which we come to learn and continue to learn facts and develop ideas
What are the five steps in scientific method?
- Observe
- Hypothesis
- Predict
- Experiment
- Conclude & Revise
Scientific thinking is empirical and self-correcting. What does that mean?
All information comes from carefully documented and controlled observations and experiments, if observations or experiments do not support the hypothesis then it is revised or rejected (self-correcting)
What is a null hypothesis?
A hypothesis that no relationship exists between the factors being observed
Why do we not say in science that we have proved our hypothesis?
Because you can’t prove a hypothesis with only one experiment—there isn’t enough evidence proving the phenomenon
What are the common elements of an experiment?
Experimental group, control group, treatment and variables
What is an independent variable?
A measurable entity that is available at the start of a process being observed and the value of which can be changed as required.
(The treatment or what you are altering in the experiment)
What is a dependent variable?
A measurable entity that is created by the process being observed and the value of which cannot be controlled.
(The results of the independent variable)
What are controlled variables?
The attempt to minimize any differences between a control group and an experimental group other than the treatment itself.
What is placebo effect?
The phenomenon in which people respond favorable to any treatment
What is a blind experiment?
An experiment where the subjects don’t know which treatment they are receiving
What is a double blind experiment?
Neither the subjects or the experimenter knows which treatment the subjects are receiving
What is a randomized experiment?
Subjects are randomly assigned into experimental and control groups
Why is it important to repeat and experiment and get the same results?
Increases the confidence in the results and gives more information
What are the ways of displaying data?
Bar graphs, line graphs and pie charts
