Chapter 1 Flashcards
An informal observation that has not been systematically tested
Anecdotal evidence
Process in which independence scientific experts read scientific studies before they are published to ensure that the authors have appropriately designed and interpreted the study.
Peer review
A tentative explanation for a scientific observation or question
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is testable if it can be supported or rejected by carefully designed experiments or observational studies
Testable
Describes a hypothesis that can be tied out by data that show that the hypothesis does not explain the observation
Falsifiable
A carefully designed test, the result of which will either support or file out a hypothesis
Experiment
The group in an experiment that experiences the experimental intervention of manipulation
Experimental group
The group in an experiment that experiences no experimental intervention or manipulation
Control group
A fake treatment given to control groups to mimic the experience of the experimental groups
Placebo
The variable or factor being deliberately changed
Independent variable
Measured result of an experiment
Dependent variable
Number of experimental subjects or the number of times an experiment is repeated or number of participants
Sample size
A measure of confidence that the results obtained are “real” and not due to chance
Stastical significance
An explanation of the natural world that is supported by a large body of evidence and has never been disproved
Scientific theory
The study of patterns of disease in populations including risk factors
Epidemiology
