Chapter 1- The Nature of Science

Question 1

Scientific Method

Answer 1

The principles and procedures used in the systematic pursuit of knowledge.

Question 2

Observation

Answer 2

Act of noting or recording something experienced (seen, heard, etc.)

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

Proposed explanation made as a starting point for further investigation

Question 4

Null Hypothesis

Answer 4

Assumes findings are due to chance alone

Question 5

Alternate Hypothesis

Answer 5

Assumes there is some sort of correlation or causal trend to be investigated

Question 6

Experiment

Answer 6

A procedure undertaken to test a hypothesis

Question 7

Variable

Answer 7

Things or events than can affect the outcome of an experiement

Question 8

Independent variable

Answer 8

A manipulated factor whose cariation is determined by the investigator

Question 9

Dependent Variable

Answer 9

Factor whose variation depends on another factor present

Question 10

Positive Control

Answer 10

Should give the desired outcome of the experiement

Question 11

Negative Control

Answer 11

Should show no response to the experiment

Question 12

Range

Answer 12

The upper and lower limits of the data set

Question 13

Mean

Answer 13

average of the data set, a calculated central value

Question 14

Standard Deviation

Answer 14

A measure of the dispersion, relates to the precision of the data set

Question 15

Standard Error of the Mean

Answer 15

How far “off” from the central value, relates to accuracy of the data set

Question 16

Conclusion

Answer 16

A final answer or explanation

Question 17

Discussion

Answer 17

Interpretation of the data and projections as to the meaning of the results

Question 18

Sampling Error

Answer 18

An error resulting from the under representation or lack of representation for a particular factor

Question 19

Accuracy

Answer 19

State of being correct, nearness to “true” value

Question 20

Precision

Answer 20

The resolution of the representation, consistency among values

Question 21

Confounder

Answer 21

Factor that masks the true relationship of the independent and dependent variables

Question 22

Theory

Answer 22

A testable prediction based upon stipulated hypotheses

Question 23

Principle/Law

Answer 23

An accepted or professed rule