scientific method definitions Flashcards
An observation that differs from expectation or from accepted scientific views. They may lead scientists to revise a hypothesis or theory.
Anomaly
Your determination of whether the hypothesis should be accepted or rejected. It is one of the steps of the scientific method.
Conclusion
The set of test subjects randomly assigned to not receive the experimental treatment. In other words, the independent variable is held constant for this group
Control Group
Any variable that does not change during an experiment.
Control Variable
A relationship between two variables that can be used to predict the behavior or value of one variable if the other is known.
Correlation
Any facts, numbers, or values obtained in an experiment.
Data
This is a T-shaped diagram used to display data from a science experiment. It includes the values of the independent and dependent variables.
Data Table
The variable that responds to the independent variable. It is the one that is measured in the experiment. It is graphed on the y axis.
Dependent Variable
Neither the researcher nor the subject knows whether the subject is receiving the treatment or a placebo. This helps reduce biased results.
Double-blind
A measure of the difference between a measured or calculated value and a true value.
Error
The set of test subjects randomly assigned to receive the experimental treatment.
Experimental Group
Extra variables (i.e., not the independent, dependent, or control variables) that may influence an experiment, but are not accounted for or measured or are beyond control.
Extraneous Variable
A statement based on evidence obtained from direct observation.
Fact
A picture that displays information. Examples include line, bar, and pie. The most common type displays values of the independent and dependent variables.
Graph
A prediction of whether the independent variable will have an effect on the dependent variable or a prediction of the nature of the effect.
Hypothesis
The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher. There is only one in an experiment. It is graphed on the x axis.
Independent Variable
A generalization that describes what one expects to happen in a certain situation. They can be used to predict behavior, but do not explain it. For example, the law of gravity makes it possible to predict an object will fall if it is dropped.
Scientific Law
Contains all records of a scientist’s observations about an experiment. Entries are typically recorded in permanent ink.
Log Book
The average calculated by adding up all the scores and then dividing by the number of scores.
Mean
Information collected using one of the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell).
Observation
A “fake” treatment used so subjects don’t know they are not receiving the actual treatment. Example: In drug trials, test patients may be given a pill which resembles the drug but doesn’t contain the active ingredient.
Placebo
A beneficial effect due to a subject’s belief in the power of the treatment. No active ingredient or other property is responsible for the positive effect.
Placebo Effect
The entire group the researcher is studying. If the researcher cannot gather data from the group, studying large random samples taken from the group may be used to estimate how the entire group would respond.
Population
The explanation or interpretation of experimental data. This includes calculations made from the data.
Results
A basic experiment designed to assess whether there is a cause and effect relationship or test a prediction. It may have only one test subject, compared with a controlled experiment, which has at least two groups.
Simple Experiment
A systematic explanation for phenomena, based on testing many hypotheses. Because they are evidence-based, they are typically accepted by scientists, but they may be modified or discarded if new evidence is presented.
Theory
