Module 3 Vocab

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

Variable

Answer 3

Any categories, conditions, factors, or traits that differ in the natural world or in experimental situations.

Question 4

Independent variable

Answer 4

A variable that is not dependent on other factors.

Question 5

Dependent variable

Answer 5

A variable that is dependent on other factors.

Question 6

Null hypothesis

Answer 6

A prediction that there is no difference between the groups or conditions that are being compared.

Question 7

Replication

Answer 7

The data collection procedure of taking repeated measurements.

Question 8

Sample size (n)

Answer 8

The number of times a measurement is replicated in data collection.

Question 9

Accuracy

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Precision

Answer 10

How close the repeated measurements of a sample are to another one.

Question 11

Uncertainty

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Theory

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Control group

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Natural experiment

Answer 14

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