Learning About Life Flashcards
biology
The scientific study of life.
science
An approach to understanding the natural world that is based on inquiry—a search for information, evidence, explanations, and answers to specific questions.
data
The evidence on which scientific inquiry is based.
hypothesis
A proposed explanation for a set of observations.
experiments
Scientific tests.
scientific exploration
- making observations
- asking questions
- seeking information
scientific communication
- sharing data
- obtaining feedback
- publishing papers
- replicating findings
- building consensus
peer review
Evaluating researches by qualified, impartial, often anonymous experts who were not involved in the study, intended to provide quality control.
scientific outcomes
- building knowledge
- solving problems
- developing new technologies
- benefiting society
theory
A comprehensive and well-substantiated explanation. Theories only become widely accepted by scientists if they are supported by a large, varied, and growing body of evidence.
fact
A piece of information considered to be objectively true based on all current evidence.
variables
Factors that change in an experiment.
controlled experiment
Compares two or more groups that differ only in one variable that the experiment is designed to test.
control group
Lacks or does not receive the specific factor being tested.
experimental group
Has or receives the specific factor being tested.
independent variable
Being manipulated by the researchers as a potential cause.
dependent variable
The response, output, or effect under investigation that is used to judge the outcome of the experiment.
single-blind experiment
Test subjects does not know which group is which. Information is withheld to eliminate bias.
placebo
A medically ineffective treatment that allows the placebo group to serve as a control group; typically they won’t know that it’s a placebo.
double-blind experiment
Both test subjects and the researchers does not know which group is which. Information is withheld to eliminate bias.
pseudosciences
Any field of study that is falsely presented as having a scientific basis.
anecdotal evidence
An assertion based on a single or a few examples that do not support a generalized conclusion.
genes
The units of hereditary information consisting specific sequences of DNA passes on from the previous generation.
biosphere
Consists of all the environments on Earth that support life— including soil; oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water; and the lower atmosphere.
