Processes of Science Flashcards
Data
Quantifiable information or observations.
The Scientific Methodology
An ever on-going process of observations, questions, hypotheses, predictions, and experimentation all looping back to either new questions or revised hypotheses.
Significant Data
If the data is considered significant and the possible error is relatively low, then the results are verified by other researchers.
Insignificant Data
If the data is not considered significant, then the researcher has to go back and look for uncontrolled variables. If none are found, then the researcher must revise their hypotheses.
Inductive Logic
Use of observations or facts to create a hypothesis.
Hypothesis
A possible answer to the question posed.
Deductive Logic
Assuming the hypothesis is true, what other factors must also be correct in order to agree with the claim?
Controlled Experiment
One or more variables is manipulated in the experiment, with an experimental group and a control group.
Comparative Experiment
Where variables are not manipulated, but rather data is collected from many, unaltered sources.
Independent Variable
The manipulated variable (typically only one).
Dependent Variable
The measurable response from manipulating the independent variable.
Null Hypothesis
An observed difference is only the result from sampling randomly and finitely in a population.
Probability of Error
The idea that there could have been an error, based on how controlled an experiment is.
Model Systems
A main principle in Biology where research on one group of life can be applied and assumed to others. As an example, we know that radiation causes cancer in humans, so it can be assumed that other multicellular organisms can also become cancerous.
Natural History
Learning about how an organism gets its food, reproduces, behaves, regulates internally, and interacts with other organisms. This helps facilitate observations and cause the scientific process to constantly be in use.
