Ch. 2 Key Terms Flashcards
Observation
Is a piece of information we gather using our senses, our sight, hearing, smell, and touch
Hypothesis
Testable explanation for an observation
Prediction
A logical statement about what will happen if the hypothesis is correct
Experiment
A procedure designed to test a hypothesis under controlled conditions.
Variable
Is the factor of interests, which, in our example, would be the level of phosphate in the water.
Experimental Group
A group that receive the experimental treatment
Control Group
The group that does not receive the experimental treatment
Data
The info a scientist gathers in an experiment.
Correlation
Reliable associations between two or more event.
Statistics
Enviromental science provides a lot data that needs to be organized interpreted before they are use.
Mean
Is the number obtained by adding up the data for a given characteristic and dividing this sum by the number of individuals.
Distribution
Is the relative arrangement of the members of a statistical population.
Probability
The chance that something will happen
Sample
Is the group of individuals or events selected to represent the population
Risk
Is the probability of an unwanted outcome
Models
Representations of objects or systems
Conceptual Model
Is a verbal or graphical explanation for how a system works or is organized.
Mathematical Model
Is one or more equations that’s represents the way a system or process works.
Value
Principals or standards we consider important.
Decision-Making Model
A conceptual model that provides a synthetic process for making decisions.
