Ch. 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Flashcards
Observation
Process of noticing and describing events or processes in a careful, orderly way
Inference
A logical interpretation based on prior knowledge and experience
Hypothesis
Possible explanation for a set of observations or possible answers to a scientific question
Controlled experiment
Experiment in which only one variable is changed
Independent variable
Factor in a controlled experiment that is deliberately changed; also called manipulated variable
Dependent variable
Variable that is observed and that changes in response to the independent variable; also called responding variable
Control group
Group in an experiment that is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group except for one independent variable
Data
Evidence; info gathered from observations
Theory
Well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations and hypotheses, and enable scientists to make accurate predictions about new situations
Bias
A particular preference or point of view that is personal, rather than scientific
Biology
The study of life
Sexual reproduction
Type of reproduction in which cells from two parents unite to form the first cell of a new organism
Asexual reproduction
Process of reproduction involving a single parent that results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent
DNA
Genetic material that organisms inherit from their parents
Metabolism
The combination of chemical reactions through which an organism builds up or breaks down materials
