the nature of science Flashcards
bias
a particular tendency or trend that is preconceived or unreasoned
constant
not changing or varying
control
to exercise restraint or direction over
density
the state or quality of being dense compactness closely set or crowded condition
dependent variable
Statistics in an experiment the event studied and expected to change when the independent variable is changed
experiment
a test, trial, or tentative procedure; an act or operation for the purpose of discovering something unknown or of testing a principle, supposition
graph
a diagram representing a system of connections or interrelations among two or more things by a number of distinctive dots, lines, bars
hypothesis
a mere assumption or guess
independent variable
Statistics in an experiment a variable that is intentionally changed to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
mass
a body of coherent matter, usually of indefinite shape and often of considerable size
model
a standard or example for imitation or comparison
scientific law
In general, a scientific law is the description of an observed phenomenon. It doesn’t explain why the phenomenon exists or what causes it. The explanation of a phenomenon is called a scientific theory.
scientific method
a method of research in which a problem is identified, relevant data are gathered, a hypothesis is formulated from these data, and the hypothesis is empirically tested.
standard
something considered by an authority or by general consent as a basis of comparison; an approved model.
technology
a scientific or industrial process, invention, method, or the like
