Strong Inference Flashcards
The Scientific Method
- Make an observation
- Ask a question
- Form a hypothesis (testable explanation)
- Make a prediction on the hypothesis
- Test the prediction
- ITERATE: use the results to make a new hypothesis/prediction
What type of process is the scientific method?
Iterative process - a cycle
Strong Inference
- Devising an alternative hypothesis
- Devising a crucial experiment with alternative possible outcomes
- Carrying out the experiment for a clean result
- Recycling the procedure (subhypotheses)
2 Critical Points (Platt)
- Using MULTIPLE WORKING HYPOTHESES to avoid favoring a hypothesis + confirmation bias
- Design experiments to ELIMINATE/”FALSIFY” one or more alternative hypotheses
Independent Variable
some factor in the experiment that is set in varying amounts
- x-axis
- EX: time, amounts
Dependent Variable
outcomes that depend on the independent variables
- y-axis
Positive Control
experiments with known outcomes
- used to make sure instruments/reagents are working properly
Negative Control
experiments that should produce NO result
- set a experimental baseline
- negative/null result
Fact
observation that is true (repeating confirmed)
Hypothesis
proposed explanation for a phenomenon
- TESTABLE EXPLANATION
- educated guess
- must be testable (falsified or proven wrong, can never be proven “right”)
Scientific Law
statement of relationship that expresses a fundamental principle of science
- the “What?”
- must have conditions
- EX: gravity, Newton’s 3 Laws
Scientific Theory
unifying idea that expands scientific facts, laws, and observations
- the “Why and How?”
- supported by evidence
- includes mechanisms to explain how and why a phenomenon occurs
Process of Science
FORMULATION - multiple working hypotheses
TESTING (hypotheses) - experiments, observations
REFINEMENT - any scientific hypothesis is testable and falsifiable - science deals with hypotheses and theories, not truth
