Unit_2_APES Flashcards
What is a Fact
A simple observation we make about the world
What is a hypothesis?
testable (via experiment) explanation of observations
What’s a Theory?
Broad explanations that have been tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation
What’s a law?
Identifies a phenomenon of nature without explaining it
What is the scientific method?
A sequence of steps that scientists follow, when attempting to answer a question or observation
What was the first vaccine for?
Smallpox
What’s an observation?
An act of viewing or noting a detail, or occurrence
What does an experiment do?
Tests the hypothesis under controlled conditions, with defined variables
Define the independent variable
New factor that is to be introduced and tested
Define the Dependent variable
The measured result that is influenced by the independent variable
Define the controlled variables
Kept constant so they don’t influence the dependent variable
Explain the difference between the control group and experimental group
Control group does not receive the independent variable, while the experimental group does receive the independent variable
Define “data” in experimental terms
Includes all the measurements and observations made during the experiment
Define the “conclusion” in experimental terms
States whether the hypothesis is supported by the experiment
Define Peer Review
Involves publishing the results for other scientist to review and check for error, bias, or uncontrolled variables
Define margin of error
An estimate of how different a result is from the actual value
How can margin of error be reduced?
Increasing the sample size or number of observations used in an experiment or study
Explain the difference between controlled and natural experiments
Controlled experiments take place in labs or artificial environments, while natural experiments take place in the real world without manipulation
Name a pro and a con of controlled experiments
Pro: allows for full control of all variables
Con: some environments are difficult or impossible to recreate
Name a pro and a con of natural experiments
Pro: environment is more realistic
Con: some natural phenomena are hard to find
Define bias in experimental terms
The preference for an experiment to turn out a certain way
How do blind experiment reduce bias?
Ensures test subjects do not know whether they are in the experimental or controlled group
Explain double blind experiments?
Prevents both scientist and subjects from knowing which is the experimental group
Define correlation
Observed when there are statistical variables that have a relationship that’s expected by chance alone
Define causation
Occurs when one variable directly influences the other
Define puedoscience
Appear or claims to be scientific, but does not follow scientific practices
Define the “claim” characteristic of pseudoscience
Is not repeatable or reproducible, no experimental evidence, and no alternative explanations have been tested
Define the “conclusion” characteristic of puesdoscience
Conclusion is formed first, then evidence is selectively chosen
What did Spontaneous generations propose and why is it puesdoscience?
Proposed that life can arise from non-living matter. It’s considered pseudoscience because there’s no formal evidence and no alternative hypothesis considered or tested
What did Four Elements Theory propose and why is it puesdoscience?
Proposed that all matter was composed of earth, water, air, and fire (tried to convert one form of matter into another). This is pseudoscience because there’s no experimental evidence, no alternative theories considered, and claims were not repeatable because the discoveries were kept secret
What did Astrology propose and why is it puesdoscience?
It’s the belief that the movement and positions of the stars and planets influence the natural world. It’s pseudoscience because there’s no evidence, selective choosing of evidence, and dates are incorrect
What are some modern versions of Pseudoscience?
Anti-vaccination movement, Flat earth society, and homeopathic medicines (uses essential oils and herbs to treat medical conditions)
