scientific method Flashcards
what is the scientific method
approach to knowledge acquisition based on EVIDENCE not bias
2 types of science
descriptive and hypothesis-testing
difference between descsriptive and hypothesis-testing sciences
descriptive: characterize PATTERNS –> provides material for hypothesis-testing
hypothesis-testing: testing one or more casual EXPLANATIONS for existing pattern –> could show where to look for other patterns
what is induction
specific observations synthesized to produce a general statement/conclusion (conclusion may not be true)
specific –> general
what is deduction
one or more general statements to logical conclusion, used to test hypothesis
general –> specific
what is a syllogism
(deductive reasoning) conclusion is drawwn from 2 given propositions, sharing a term with the conclusion
can be presented as “if… then” statements
what makes a hypothesis “scientific”
must be REFUTABLE, hypotheses may only be supported, not proved
–> science proceeds by eliminating hypothesis
what are the types of study
observational and manipulative
difference between observational and manipulative studies
observational: observes/measures/characterized, does not alter system
manipulative: changes something and compares to what happens in unmanipulated system
what is inferential strength
measure of how strongly the results support conclusions
(T/F) manipulative studies have greater inferential strength than obersvational
T
–> better control over confounding variables
what are confounding variables
seperate, unknown variable that may be responsible for a pattern
–> may be a third variable causing association between dependent/independent variables
what is a control
experimental procedure/treatment level designed to minimize effects of confounding variables
what is extrapolation
drawing inferences from a model system
–> assume model system behaves similarly to actual system
(T/F) observational studies involve more extrapolation than manipulative studies
F
