Working Scientifically Flashcards
Hypothesis
A possible explanation for an observation
Peer review
Where are the scientist check results and scientific exclamations to make sure they are scientific and to detect false claims.
Theories
Accepted hypotheses
Representational model
A simplified description/picture of what’s going on in reality, used to explain observations and make predictions.
Computational models
Simulations of complex real life processes, used when there is a lot of different variables to consider.
Economic issues with scientific developments
Society can’t always afford to do the things scientists recommend without cutting back elsewhere.
Personal issues with scientific developments
Some decisions will affect individuals that object.
Social issues with scientific development
Decisions based on scientific evidence affect people and their lifestyles.
Environmental issues with scientific developments.
Human activity of affects the natural environment.
Hazard
Something that could potentially cause harm.
Examples of hazards from scientific experiments
Microorganisms
Chemicals
Fire
Electricity
Evidence characteristics
Repeatable
Reproducible
Valid
Independent variable
The variable that you change
Dependent variable
The variable that you measure
Control variables
The variables that you keep the same
Systematic error
If a measurement is wrong by the same amount every time
Zero Error
If the systematic error is caused by using equipment that isn’t zeroed properly
anomalous result
When you get a result it doesn’t fit in with the rest of the results
What should you round to you in any scientific calculation
To the lowest number of significant figures given in the question.
How to present discrete/categoric data
In a bar chart
rules for drawing bar chart
Linear scale with equal values in between Inclusion of units Labelling of both axes Inclusion of a key Large Gap between each category
How to present continuous data
Plot a graph
Rules for plotting graphs
Draw an appropriate scale using biggest data value
Dependent variable on the Y axis
Independent variable on X axes
You sharp pencil and crosses
Ignore anomalous results when plotting lines of best fit
Include units
Large
What does the gradient tell you
How quickly do dependent variable changes if you change the independent variable
Gradient
Change in y/ change in x
How do you write conclusions
Include everything from the data and nothing else
