Scientific Method Vocab Flashcards
A testable idea or explanation that leads to scientific investivations
hypothesis
an attempt to explain or make sense of an observation
inference
the process of obtaining information by using the senses
observation
a process of investigation that in one or more ways resembles science but deviates from the scientific method
pseudoscience
an organized prcedure to study something under controlled conditions
experiment
facts and observations about an object’s characteristics that do not include numbers or measurements (texture, color, appearance, smell)
qualitative data
observations that are made while an action or activity is taking place
direct observation
information gathered by observations or experimentation that can be used in calculating or reasoning
data
a descriptive statement or equation that reliably predicts events under certain conditions
law
observations that are based on the reports of others
indirect observation
a system of ideas that explains many related observations and is supported by a large body of evidence acquired through scientific investigation
theory
the observations, measurements and other types of data that people gather and test to suport and evaluate scientific investigations
emprical evidence
in a scientific investigation, the factore that is deliberatedly manipulated
independent variable
facts and observations that include measurements (height, volume, mass, temperature, speed)
quantitative data
in a scientific investigation, the factor that changes as a result of manipulation of one or more independent variables
dependent variable
