Chapter 2 Key Terms Flashcards
observation
the process of obtaining information by using the senses; the information obtained by using the senses
hypothesis
a testable idea or explanation that leads to scientific investigation
prediction
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
experiment
a procedure that is carried out under controlled conditions to discover, demonstrate, or test a fact, theory, or general truth
variable
a factor that changes in an experiment in order to test a hypothesis
experimental group
in an experiment, a group that is identical to a control group except for one factor and that is compared with the control group
control group
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
mean
the number obtained by adding up the data for a given characteristic and dividing this sum by the number of individuals
model
a pattern, plan, representation, or description designed to show the structure or workings of an object, system, or concept
statistics
the collection and classification of data that are in the form of numbers
probability
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
sample
the group of individuals or events selected to represent a statistical population
risk
the probability of an unwanted outcome
value
a principle or standard that an individual considers to be important
decision-making model
a conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions
