M1 Terms

Question 1

Scientific Method

Answer 1

the core logic of how science works; the process of science

Question 2

Observation

Answer 2

A description, measurement, or record of any object or phenomenon

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

Includes the question you are trying to answer AND the parameters of your experiment

Question 4

Experiment (Experimentation)

Answer 4

A repeatable manipulation of one or more aspects of the natural world

Question 5

Analysis (in terms of Sci Method)

Answer 5

Human biases MUST be removed, typically this is done with statistics

Question 6

Independent Variable

Answer 6

Values are independent of the experiment
Ex. time, temperature

Question 7

Dependent Variable

Answer 7

Values are dependent to the independent variable
Ex. test scores depend on study time; how much you sweat depends on temperature outside

Question 8

Controlled Experiment

Answer 8

At least two groups are compared, with the treatment group experiencing a change in one variable and the variable is constant for the control group

Question 9

Treatment Group

Answer 9

Is the experimental group; is maintained under the the same standard set of conditions as the control group; the independent variable is manipulated

Question 10

Scientific Theory

Answer 10

A hypothesis, or a group of related hypotheses, that has been repeatedly confirmed by diverse independent researchers

Question 11

Scientific Law

Answer 11

Something that always happens; does not address why anything is happening
Ex. law of gravitation, gravity

Question 12

Blind Study

Answer 12

The test subjects do not know who is receiving the treatment

Question 13

Double-Blind Study

Answer 13

Neither the subjects nor the investigator knows who is receiving the treatment and who is a control subject

Question 14

Correlation

Answer 14

A statistical measure that expresses the extent to which two variables are linearly related

Question 15

Spurious Correlation

Answer 15

A third variable is the real cause of the observed correlation

Question 16

Conclusion / Reporting

Answer 16

The experimental data support the hypothesis

Question 17

Control Group

Answer 17

Maintained under a standard set of conditions; no change in the independent variable

Question 18

Primary Literature

Answer 18

First publication of scientific research that contains actual data with controls

Question 19

Secondary Literature

Answer 19

Sources that give a basic overview of a topic, or summarize research results

Question 20

Peer Review

Answer 20

An arduous process were multiple scientists review your work

Question 21

Scientific Claim

Answer 21

A statement about how the world works that can be tested using the scientific method

Question 22

Placebo Effect

Answer 22

The feeling in a study participant that he or she has benefited from the experimental treatment