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
What you believe will happen.
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 a variable under a study .
control group
A group of subjects that do not change
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
The average of all the results added up
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. It is also a set of concepts.
mathematical model
A mathematical model is a description of a physical system using mathematical concepts and language. The process of developing a mathematical model is termed mathematical modeling. Mathematical models are used in the natural sciences and engineering disciplines, as well as in the social sciences.
value
Used as a noun, it denotes objective things, states, processes, or qualities that are approved, desired, or found worthy by at least one valuer
decision making model
All people need to make decisions from time to time. 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. In other words, they must engage in decision-making.
