Chapter 1 Flashcards
What is science?
A method to answer questions, a process of using observations and experiments to draw evidenced based conclusions.
Peer Review
Review of an article by experts before publication
Scientific Hypothesis
A testable and falsifiable explanation for a scientific observation or question. (never proven)
Experiment
A carefully designed test. Results either support or rule out a hypothesis
Experimental Group
Experiences the experimental intervention or manipulation
Control Group
Experiences no experimental intervention or manipulation (basis for comparison)
Independent Variable
The factor being deliberately changed in the experimental group.
Placebo
A fake treatment that mimics the experience of the experimental group. The control group receives this due to them experiencing no scientific manipulation
Dependent Variable
The measured result of an experiment. Analyzed in both the experimental and control groups.
Sample Size
It is the number of experimental subjects or the number of times an experiment is repeated. The larger the sample size, the more likely the results will have statistical significance.
Scientific Theory
A hypothesis that continues to hold up after many years of rigorous testing.
Epidemiology
The study of patterns of disease in populations including risk factors.
Correlation
A consistent relationship between two variables. A correlation does not prove one variable causes the other.
