The Nature Of Science Flashcards
Bias
In common terms, bias is a preference for or against one idea, thing or person. In scientific research, bias is a systematic deviation between observations or interpretations of data and an accurate description of a phenomenon. 2. How can biases affect the accuracy of scientific understanding of a phenomenon?
constant
] A quantity that is unknown but assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context. A theoretical or experimental quantity, condition, or factor that does not vary in specified circumstances.
control
In scientific experiments, a scientific control is one in which the subject or a group would not be tested for the dependent variable(s). … A study with control(s) is designed to ensure that the effects are due to the independent variables in the experiment.
density
a measure of the amount of information on a storage medium (tape or disk). For magnetic tape it is the amount of information recorded per unit length of tape (bits per inch or milometer); for a disk, a fixed number of bits per sector, sectors per track, and tracks per disk.
dependent variable
Just like an independent variable, a dependent variable is exactly what it sounds like. It is something that depends on other factors. … (Independent variable) causes a change in (Dependent Variable) and it isn’t possible that (Dependent Variable) could cause a change in (Independent Variable).
experiment
a scientific test in which you perform a series of actions and carefully observe their effects in order to learn about something. : something that is done as a test : something that you do to see how well or how badly it works. experiment.
graph
a diagram (as a series of one or more points, lines, line segments, curves, or areas) that represents the variation of a variable in comparison with that of one or more other variables.
hypothesis
scientific hypothesis, an idea that proposes a tentative explanation about a phenomenon or a narrow set of phenomena observed in the natural world. … The notion of the scientific hypothesis as both falsifiable and testable was advanced in the mid-20th century by Austrian-born British philosopher Karl Popper.
independent variable
An independent variable is exactly what it sounds like. It is a variable that stands alone and isn’t changed by the other variables you are trying to measure. For example, someone’s age might be an independent variable.
mass
a coherent, typically large body of matter with no definite shape.
model
A scientific model is a physical and/or mathematical and/or conceptual representation of a system of ideas, events or processes. Scientists seek to identify and understand patterns in our world by drawing on their scientific knowledge to offer explanations that enable the patterns to be predicted.
scientific law
Image result for define 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. It is a misconception that theories turn into laws with enough research
scientific method
a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.
standard
In metro logy (the science of measurement), a standard (or e talon) is an object, system, or experiment that bears a defined relationship to a unit of measurement of a physical quantity. Standards are the fundamental reference for a system of weights and measures, against which all other measuring devices are compared.
technology
the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.
