Logic & Evidence Scientific Explanation

Question 1

Drawing Conclusions

Answer 1

Empirical evidence or evidence generated through experimentation. Scientists collect data, analyze it, and draw logical conclusions supported by data. Scientists study trends and patterns in large amounts of experimentally reproducible data. To have confidence in data, scientists repeat experiments with the same variables and procedures. If repeated experiments have similar results, scientists can have confidence in the data and draw valid conclusions.

Question 2

Identifying Cause-And-Effect Relationships

Answer 2

Conclusions are often presented as cause-and-effect relationships. Scientists can use this simplified data to explain phenomena.

Question 3

Empirical evidence

Answer 3

Evidence generated through experimentation

Question 4

Evaluating Evidence

Answer 4

Conclusions rely on evidence to support them. Strong conclusions and theories are produced by reproducible and convincing data. Process involves factors: presence of bias (intentional or unintentional), controlled setting (changing only one variable at a time), accurate data collection, and replicable results.

Question 4

Variables

Answer 4

The conditions in an experiment that may be changed or manipulated.

Question 5

Placebo

Answer 5

A substance with no medicinal effect that can be used as a control in an experiment. Ex: water and sugar. Experimenters and subjects do not know who is receiving the medicine or the placebo. This helps eliminate bias.

Question 5

Bias

Answer 5

Sometimes occurs when experimenters influence results. Ex: effectiveness of new type of medicine is being tested. Experimenters or people receiving the medicine may believe the medicine is effective and this bias may influence their observations or conclusions unintentionally. For this reason “placebos” are used to eliminate bias.

Question 6

Experimental Design

Answer 6

It is important to analyze the experimental design when evaluating evidence. Larger sample sizes and repeated trials provide more confidence in the evidence collected. The design should keep all conditions the same except for the variable being tested, which is called the independent variable. The conditions kept the same are the controlled variables. Keeping the controlled variables the same provides further confidence that the results are caused by the variable under consideration. Example, Fertilizer experiment, keeping all conditions the same, temp, water for the plants will determine any changes or effects in plant growth.

Question 7

Independent Variable

Answer 7

The condition that is manipulated or changed in an experiment

Question 8

Controlled variable

Answer 8

The condition that is kept the same in the expriment.