Ch. 2 Key Terms Flashcards
observation
the action or process of observing something or someone carefully or in order to gain information.
hypothesis
a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
prediction
a thing predicted; a forecast.
experiment
a scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.
variable
not consistent or having a fixed pattern; liable to change.
experimental group
a group of subjects who are exposed to the variable under study.
control group
A scientific control is an experiment or observation designed to minimize the effects of variables other than the independent variable.
data
facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
correlation
a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.
statistics
the practice or science of collecting and analyzing numerical data in large quantities, especially for the purpose of inferring proportions in a whole from those in a representative sample.
mean
intend to convey, indicate, or refer to (a particular thing or notion); signify.
distribution
the action of sharing something out among a number of recipients.
probability
the extent to which something is probable; the likelihood of something happening or being the case.
sample
a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like.
risk
a situation involving exposure to danger.
model
a three-dimensional representation of a person or thing or of a proposed structure, typically on a smaller scale than the original.
conceptual model
A conceptual model is a representation of a system, made of the composition of concepts which are used to help people know, understand, or simulate a subject the model represents.
mathematical model
A mathematical model is a description of a physical system using mathematical concepts and language.
value
the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.
decision-making model
Given limited time in formulating policies and addressing public problems, public administrators must enjoy a certain degree of discretion in planning, revising and implementing public policies.
