Ch. 2 key terms

Question 1

Observation

Answer 1

the process of obtaining information by using the senses; the information obtained by using the senses

Question 2

hypothesis

Answer 2

a testable idea or explanation that leads to scientific investigation

Question 3

prediction

Answer 3

a statement made in advance that expresses the results that will be obtained from testing a hypothesis if the hypothesis is supported; the expected outcome if a hypothesis is accurate

Question 4

experiment

Answer 4

a procedure that is carried out under controlled conditions to discover, demonstrate, or test a fact, theory, or general truth

Question 5

variable

Answer 5

a factor that changes in an experiment in order to test a hypothesis

Question 6

experimental group

Answer 6

in an experiment, a group that is identical to a control group except for one factor and that is compared with the control group

Question 7

control group

Answer 7

in an experiment, a group that serves as a standard of comparison with another group to which the control group is identical except for one factor

Question 8

data

Answer 8

any pieces of information acquired through observation or experimentation

Question 9

correlation

Answer 9

the linear dependence between two variables

Question 10

statistics

Answer 10

the collection and classification of data that are in the form of numbers

Question 11

mean

Answer 11

the number obtained by adding up the data for a given characteristic and dividing this sum by the number of individuals

Question 12

distribution

Answer 12

the relative arrangement of the members of a statistical population; usually shown in a graph

Question 13

probability

Answer 13

the likelihood that a possible future event will occur in any given instance of the event; the mathematical ratio of the number of times one outcome of any event is likely to occur to the number of possible outcomes of the event

Question 14

sample

Answer 14

the group of individuals or events selected to represent a statistical population

Question 15

risk

Answer 15

the probability of an unwanted outcome

Question 16

model

Answer 16

a pattern, plan, representation, or description designed to show the structure or workings of an object, system, or concept

Question 17

conceptual model

Answer 17

a verbal or graphical explanation for how a system works or is organized

Question 18

mathematical model

Answer 18

one or more equations that represent the way a system or process works

Question 19

value

Answer 19

a principle or standard that an individual considers to be important

Question 20

decision-making model

Answer 20

a conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions