Exam 1: The Scientific Method Flashcards
The Scientific Method
A systematic process used to investigate questions, test hypotheses, and build knowledge.
Important Elements of the Scientific Method
Skepticism, Empiricism, Falsifiability, Peer Review
Skepticism in Science
A questioning attitude that requires evidence before accepting claims; avoids accepting conclusions without critical evaluation.
Empiricism in Science
Knowledge is gained through systematic observation and measurement rather than intuition or personal belief.
Falsifiability in Science
A scientific claim must be testable and capable of being proven wrong with evidence.
Peer Review in Science
The process where other experts evaluate research before publication to ensure quality, accuracy, and adherence to scientific standards.
Pseudoscience
Activities and beliefs that are claimed to be scientific by their proponents (and may appear to be scientific at first glance) but are not. Unlike true science, pseudoscience does not utilize skepticism, empiricism, falsifiability, and/or peer review.
Research Question
It clearly defines what the researcher aims to study, often identifying the variables of interest and their potential relationship.
Research Hypothesis
A testable statement or prediction derived from a research question. It provides a specific, measurable expectation about the relationship between variables.
Scientific Theory
Well-substantiated explanations of phenomena that are based on a body of evidence from multiple studies. Theories are broader than hypotheses and often guide the development of both research questions and hypotheses.
Nonexperimental Methods
Variables are observed as they occur naturally (they are not manipulated by the researcher).
Because they do not control for extraneous variables, statements about causation cannot be made.
Experimental methods
The researcher manipulates the first variable of interest (independent variable) and then observes the response (dependent variable).
All extraneous variables are kept constant.
Allows for statements of causation to be made.
