Module 3: Scientific Method

Question 1

Scientific method

Answer 1

An objective method to explore the natural world, draw inferences from it, and predict the outcome of certain events, processes, or changes

Question 2

Hypothesis

Answer 2

A testable conjecture about how something works

Question 3

Null hypothesis

Answer 3

A prediction that there is no difference between groups or conditions, or a statement or an idea that can be falsified, or proved wrong

Question 4

Replication

Answer 4

The data collection procedure of taking repeated measurements

Question 5

Sample size (n)

Answer 5

The number of times a measurement is replicated in data collection

Question 6

Accuracy

Answer 6

How close a measured value is to the actual or true value

Question 7

Precision

Answer 7

How close the repeated measurements of sample are to one another

Question 8

Uncertainty

Answer 8

An estimate of how much a measured or calculated value differs from a true value

Question 9

Theory

Answer 9

A hypothesis that has been repeatedly tested and confirmed by multiple groups of researchers and has reached wide acceptance

Question 10

Control group

Answer 10

In a scientific investigation, a group that experiences exactly the same conditions as the experimental group, except for the single variable under study

Question 11

Natural experiment

Answer 11

A natural event that acts as an experimental treatment in an ecosystem