Lesson 2; Unit 1: Scientific Method Flashcards
Understand the lesson
Inquiry
The search for information and explanation about phenomena
Why do scientists share their results
To ensure validity
What is the goal of science
To understand natural phenomena
What is the use of technology
To apply scientific knowledge for some specific purpose
What are the steps of the scientific method?
- Make observations
- Research to formulate question
- Form hypothesis
- Test hypothesis (experiment)
- Organize/interpret data (results)
- Raw conclusions
- Retest
Observation
The process of gathering information about events or processes in a careful, orderly way
Senses (the meaning is not provided in the answer but make sure to review)
Tactile, olfactory, visual, auditory, gustatory
Inference
A logical interpretation of an observation based on prior knowledge or experience
Why should inferences not be used in experiments?
They could induce bias and are subjective
Inductive reasoning
Makes generalizations based on collecting and analyzing a large number of specific observations
Deductive reasoning
Flows from general premises to predicted and specific results
What does research lead to?
More interesting/thorough questions; better defined/modified question
Hypothesis
Proposed scientific explanation for a set of observations; educated guess, must be testable, and allows for predictions
Controlled experiment
A procedure to test the hypothesis with only one manipulated variable
Variables are written directly from hypothesis
If (independent variable), then (dependent variable)
Methods of experimenting
You don’t necessarily need to have a controlled experiment, you can collect observational data;
Common ex.: evolutionary relationships, experiments conducted outside the lab, product studies
Which is better: qualitative or quantitative
Qualitative is less useful because it can be subjective, whereas quantitative data is firm; requires tools for precise data
True or false: negative results > positive results
True; they raise more questions and thus have the ability to further a scientist’s research objectives
Law vs. theory
A law is a statement based on repeated experimental observation that describes some aspect of the world; a theory is a well tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations, thus defining a phenomena
Can a law become a theory or vice versa?
No
Other important facts about laws
They typically involve a math equation, can be found false when extrapolated, always applies under the same conditions
Other important facts about theories
They are continually updated with new information and they are not a fact and CANNOT BE PROVEN
