scientific reasoning Flashcards
What is the first step of the Scientific Method?
Ask a Question
This involves identifying what you are trying to figure out.
What does the second step of the Scientific Method involve?
Do Background Research
This step requires gathering existing knowledge on the topic.
What is a hypothesis in the context of the Scientific Method?
An educated guess (If…then… statement)
This is a proposed explanation or prediction that can be tested.
What is the purpose of conducting an experiment in the Scientific Method?
Test the hypothesis with a controlled experiment
This step involves systematically investigating the hypothesis.
What do you do after conducting an experiment in the Scientific Method?
Analyze Data
This step involves examining the results to understand what they indicate.
What is the final step of the Scientific Method?
Communicate Results
This step involves sharing the findings with others.
Define Independent Variable.
What you change (e.g., amount of sunlight)
This variable is manipulated to observe its effect.
Define Dependent Variable.
What you measure (e.g., plant height)
This variable is observed and measured in the experiment.
What are Control Variables?
Factors kept the same (e.g., type of soil, water)
These variables are held constant to ensure a fair test.
Fill in the blank: Independent = _______.
I change
Fill in the blank: Dependent = _______.
Data collected
What is causation?
One event directly causes another
An example is a virus causing illness.
What is correlation?
Two things are related but don’t necessarily cause each other
An example includes ice cream sales and sunburns both increasing in summer.
Define Inductive Reasoning.
Making a broad conclusion based on specific observations
Example: Assuming all dogs have tails after seeing five dogs with tails.
Define Deductive Reasoning.
Using a general rule to predict a specific outcome
Example: All mammals have lungs; therefore, a whale has lungs.
Fill in the blank: Inductive = _______ from small to big.
Increase
Fill in the blank: Deductive = _______ from big to small.
Drilling Down
What is bias in science?
When personal beliefs or outside influences affect results
Bias can lead to skewed or invalid conclusions.
Define Selection Bias.
Choosing participants unfairly
This can affect the validity of experimental results.
Define Confirmation Bias.
Only looking for evidence that supports what you believe
This bias can distort the research process.
Define Measurement Bias.
Using faulty tools or methods
This can lead to inaccurate data collection.
How does science apply to Health & Medicine?
Understanding how vaccines, medications, and treatments work
This application is crucial for public health.
How does science apply to the Environment?
Knowing how pollution, conservation, and climate affect life
This understanding is vital for sustainability.
How does science drive innovations in Technology?
Recognizing how science drives innovations like AI and medical imaging
These advancements are rooted in scientific principles.
