Ch. 2 Key Terms Flashcards
observation
a piece of information we gather using our senses our sight, hearing, smell, and touch.
hypothesis
a testable idea or explanation that leads to a scientific investigation
prediction
a logical statement about what will happen if the hypothesis is supported
experiment
is a procedure designed to test a hypothesis under controlled conditions.
variable
is the factor of interest
experimental group
The group that receives the experimental treatment
control group
The group that does not receive the experimental treatment
data
information that a scientist gathers during an experiment, which is often in numeric form
correlation
using experiments to answer questions is impossible or unethical, scientists test predictions between two or more events
statistics
is the collection and classification of data that are in the form of numbers
mean
is the number obtained by adding the data fora 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 a group of individuals or events selected to represent the population
risk
is the probability of an unwanted outcome
model
are representations of objects or systems
conceptual model
is a verbal or graphical explanation of how a system works or is organized
mathematical model
is one or more equations that represents the way a system or process works
value
which are principles or standards we consider important
decision-making model
is a conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions
