Scientific method Flashcards
What is science
Science seeks natural causes for the natural phenomena that occur around us.
What is science limited to?
Science is limited to study of structures and processes that we can observe and measure
What is the scientific method?
How scientific knowledge is obtained
What are the components of the scientific method in order?
Observation, question, hypothesis, prediction, experiment, conclusion
What phrase should be in a prediction?
If…then
What do you do if conclusion does not support hypothesis
Reject it and propose a revised or new hypothesis
What do you do if conclusion supports hypothesis?
Accept it and ask another question
True or false a hypothesis can be proven
False
True or false does the scientific method ever end?
False, a hypothesis can either be rejected and revised or can be accepted and retested because it can never be proven
How do researchers provide the strongest possible support for their hypothesis?
By designing controlled experiments, using a large sample size (minimum 300 to 400 individuals) and randomly assigning individuals to experiment groups
Difference between experimental group and control group
The experimental group is getting tested
Define experimental group
Exposed to experimental treatment
Define control group
Not exposed to experimental treatment only differing from experimental group by what is being tested
Define dependent variable
What you are measuring
Define independent variable
What you are varying, manipulating or testing
Define standardized variables
What you are keeping the same between the control group and the experimental group
- remember for cheat sheet to put*
- examples of components of scientific method and controlled experiments*
Can there be more than one dependent variable for an experiment?
Yes, and actually helpful
Can there be more than one independent variable?
Yes
What are standardized variables? Why are they important?
**
Three characteristics of a scientifically valid hypothesis
- Must state a casual relationship between two variables.
- Must be testable (variables observed and measured)
- Must be falsifiable or able to obtain results that will not support it
Define hypothesis
A hypothesis is a proposed answer to a question about a natural phenomenon that can be tested and falsified
Define theory
A theory is a well supported broad explanation for observations of the natural world that bring together multiple scientifically valid hypotheses
What is the purpose of the peer review process?
To ensure the validity of scientific research by having experts, critically evaluate data, refine hypotheses & verify theories
Three categories of sources of scientific claims
- Primary sources
- Secondary sources.
- Anecdotes.
Example of primary source
Peer reviewed scientific journals
Example of secondary source
Traditional media outlets
Government agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Press releases from universities, biotech, companies, or pharmaceutical companies
Paid advertisements
Example of anecdotes
Blog or social media posts
Casual conversation conversations
What is crap test and how is it used?
C urrency (timeliness of info)
R eliability(accuracy of info)
A uthority(source of info)
P urpose(reason for info)
This test is used to evaluate science in the news
