The Scientific Method Flashcards
Hypothesis
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory
Synthesize
Combining or bringing together two or more elements to produce something more complex
Controlled experiment
An experiment in which only one variable is manipulated at a time
Metric system
The decimal measuring system based on the meter, liter, and gram as units of length, capacity, and weight or mass
Reliable source
A source well-supported by verifiable facts. A credible organization or agency.
Inquiry
The search for information and explanation, often focusing on specific questions
Examples of a physical model
Protoypes and appearance models
Constant
Something that stays the same in an experiment from one trial to the next
Quantitative data
Numerical data
Causation
A cause and effect relationship in which one variable controls the changes in another variable
US Customary Measurement System
System of measurement used in the United States. Also referred to as the imperial or English system. Units include: yard, pound, gallon, etc.
Interdisciplinary
Covering more than one area or study. Multiple branches of science knowledge covered in a course
Bar graph
A graph that uses vertical or horizontal bars to show comparisons among two or more items
Independent variable
The experimental factor that is maniputaled; the variable whose effect is being studied
What is an example of causation?
Spending more time causes the battery of your phone to decrease
Correlation
A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well each factor predicts the other
Dependent variable
The measureable effect, outcome, or response in which the research is interested
Conceptual model
A verbal or graphical explanation for how a system works or is organized
Control group
In an experiment, the group that is not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment
Scatter Plot Graph
A graph of plotted points that show the relationship between two sets of data that do not depend on each other where the line is not connected
Qualititative data
Information describing color, odor, shape, or some other physical characteristic
What is an example of correlation?
Age and Height. As you age, you get taller
Scientific theory
A well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations
Physical model
A physical representation of an object
Pseudoscience
A fake or false science that makes claims based on little or no scientific evidence
Pie chart
Used to show parts of a whole (percentages) or categories of data
Analysis
A detailed examination of the elements or structure of something
Unreliable sources
- Wikipedia
1) website is poorly made - has grammar or spelling errors 2) if they are selling things - adds/popups 3) About Us is Vague - who is paying for it 3) If it is Wikipedia or if it is made public so anyone can edit/add 4) Has no author/no dice with the exception of editorials 5) if it has personal opinions
Scientific law
A statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions
Mathematical model
One or more equations that represent the way a system or process works
Line graph
A graph that uses line segments to show changes that occur over time
Conclusion
A summary based on evidence or facts
Inference/Infer
To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented
Scientific belief
