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PS Ch. 1
Vocab
Term | Definition |
---|---|
scientific method | organized set of investigation procedures that can include stating a problem, forming a hypothesis, researching and gathering information, testing a hypothesis, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. |
hypothesis | educated guess using what you know and what you observe. |
experiment | organized procedure for testing a hypothesis; tests the effect of one thing on another under controlled conditions. |
variable | factor that can cause a change in the results of an experiment. |
dependent variable | factor that changes as a result of changes in the other variables. |
independent variable | factor that, as it changes, affects the measure of another variable. |
constant | in an experiment, a variable that does not change when other variables change. |
control | standard use for comparison of test results in an experiment. |
bias | occurs when a scientist's expectations change how the results of an experiment are viewed. |
model | can be used to represent an idea, object, or event that is too big, too small, too complex, or too dangerous to observe or test directly. |
theory | explanation of things or events that is based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations. |
scientific law | statement about what happens in nature that seems to be true all the time; does not explain why or how something happens. |
technology | application of science to help people. |