Ch 2 key terms

Question 1

observation

Answer 1

The action or process of observing something or someone carefully or in order to gain information.

Question 2

hypothesis

Answer 2

A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

Question 3

prediction

Answer 3

What you believe will happen.

Question 4

experiment

Answer 4

A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.

Question 5

variable

Answer 5

Not consistent or having a fixed pattern; liable to change.

Question 6

experimental group

Answer 6

A group of subjects who are exposed to a variable under a study .

Question 7

control group

Answer 7

A group of subjects that do not change

Question 8

data

Answer 8

Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.

Question 9

correlation

Answer 9

A mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.

Question 10

statistics

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

mean

Answer 11

The average of all the results added up

Question 12

distribution

Answer 12

The action of sharing something out among a number of recipients.

Question 13

probability

Answer 13

The extent to which something is probable; the likelihood of something happening or being the case.

Question 14

sample

Answer 14

A small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like.

Question 15

risk

Answer 15

A situation involving exposure to danger.

Question 16

model

Answer 16

A three dimensional representation of a person or thing or of a proposed structure, typically on a smaller scale than the original.

Question 17

conceptual model

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

mathematical model

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

value

Answer 19

Used as a noun, it denotes objective things, states, processes, or qualities that are approved, desired, or found worthy by at least one valuer

Question 20

decision making model

Answer 20

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.