The scientific Method (Lecture 2) Flashcards
What are the steps of the Scientific Method?
Observation
Question
Hypothesis
Prediction
Experiment/or Observation
Conclusion
where does the word science derive from
the Latin verb meaning “to Know”
What do we do if the hypothesis is not supported
We pose new hypothesis
what do we do if the hypothesis is supported?
We make more predictions
recite the example of the dead car using the scientific method?
Observation: Car won’t start
Question: Why won’t the car start?
Hypothesis: The car won’t start because the battery is dead
Prediction: If the hyp. is correct, then the car will start if the battery is replaced
Experiment: Replace the battery
Conclusion: the dead battery hyp. is supported
Why should we test multiple working hypothesis and predict specific experimental outcomes?
It helps narrow down the answer to your conclusion
Why is it better to repeat experiments?
Repeating experiments is important because it helps to confirm the results of the experiment. By repeating experiments, any potential errors or inconsistencies can be identified and corrected
What is the Null Hypothesis (H0)?
The tested variable has no effect on the observed results.
What is the Alternative hypothesis ?
The tested variable has an effect on the observed results. (Mutually-exclusive)
What is type I and type II error
Type I: (false positive) A type I error is when you incorrectly conclude that an effect or relationship exists when, in reality, it does not. This means that you REJECT the null hypothesis (which states that there is no effect or relationship) when it is actually true.
Type II error is a false negative, or when a test incorrectly indicates that a condition is not present when it actually is. In other words, you incorrectly conclude that there is no significant difference between the two groups when in fact there is.
what are examples of Type I and Type II?
Type I Error: A type I error occurs when you reject the null hypothesis when it is actually true. For example, a doctor may incorrectly diagnose a patient with a disease when the patient does not actually have the disease.
Type II Error: A type II error occurs when you fail to reject the null hypothesis when it is actually false. For example, a doctor may incorrectly diagnose a patient as healthy when the patient actually has a disease.
what does “fail to reject” and “reject” mean?
Fail to reject means to accept the null hypothesis, while reject means to reject the null hypothesis.
What makes a well-designed experiment have?
Replication: experiments should be repeated several times. You must rule out other possibilities (like placebos
Controls: ( a group that doesn’t get treatment) Used to make sure that there is no environmental or treatment effects
Randomization of Treatments: Assignments to experimental pr control groups should be random
reduce bias
Why do we need a control group
The group is used to compare against the experimental group to determine the efficacy of the experiment. By having a control group that does not receive the experimental treatment, researchers can measure the effects of the treatment against a group that has not been exposed to it. This helps to eliminate any potential bias or confounding variables that may have an impact on the results.
