1.4 Vocab Flash Cards - Scientific Method (P.SCI.)

Experimental group

• The group that is being tested and purposefully changed.

• A group that remains unchanged during the experiment.

• A group that receives a placebo treatment.

• A group that is observed without any intervention.

Theory

• A hypothesis that has not been tested.

• An explanation, based on evidence, of why things happen.

• A random guess about an event.

• A collection of unrelated facts.

Science

• A method for studying the natural world by gaining knowledge through observations and investigations.

• A collection of myths and legends about the universe.

• A way to predict the future using astrology.

• A discipline focused solely on theoretical concepts without practical application.

Law

• A principle that describes how things happen in nature.

• A set of rules enforced by a governing body.

• A personal belief or opinion.

• A method of scientific experimentation.

Qualitative

• Descriptive data.

• Numerical data.

• Statistical analysis.

• Graphical representation.

Dependent variable

• The variable that is manipulated in an experiment.

• The constant factor in an experiment.

• What is being measured; the data collected as a response; the 'effect'.

• The hypothesis being tested.

Constant

• Factors that do not change in the experiment; conditions kept the same for all groups.

• Variables that are manipulated during the experiment.

• Results that are measured at the end of the experiment.

• Conditions that are altered to test their effects.

Observation

• Subjective; based on personal feelings and opinions.

• Objective; based on the 5 senses, not opinion.

• A hypothesis that needs to be tested.

• A conclusion drawn from assumptions.

Inference

• Objective; a fact based on observation.

• Subjective; a guess about an observation.

• A definitive conclusion drawn from data.

• An assumption based on statistical analysis.

Hypothesis

• A testable prediction that attempts to answer a question.

• A definitive conclusion based on evidence.

• An untestable assumption about a phenomenon.

• A random guess without any basis.