click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
science vocabulary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Scientific Investigation | The process of finding the answer to a question using research methods, including observation and experimentation. |
| Research | A methodical study to find a definitive answer to a question. |
| Observation | Information gathered directly through the senses or scientific tools. |
| Inference | A logical conclusion based on evidence and reasoning, rather than direct observation. |
| Hypothesis | A testable, "if-then" statement predicting the relationship between variables. It is an educated guess based on prior research. |
| Experiment | A structured procedure designed to test a hypothesis under controlled conditions. |
| Independent Variable | The factor that is manipulated or changed on purpose by the researcher to test its effect. |
| Dependent Variable | The factor that is measured or observed, which changes in response to the independent variable. |
| Controlled Variable | Factors kept constant by the scientist to ensure results are solely due to the independent variable. |
| Control | a baseline or standard, often a control group or condition, that remains unchanged to help isolate and measure the effect of the variable being tested |
| Data | The information, measurements, or observations gathered during an experiment. It can be qualitative (descriptive) or quantitative (numerical). |
| Conclusion | A determination of whether the data supports or refutes the hypothesis. |
| Analyze | To study data (often using statistics) to look for patterns, trends, and differences between control and test groups. |
| Scientific Bias | A systematic, often unintentional deviation from the truth in data collection, analysis, or interpretation that causes false conclusions. |
| Data trends | The general direction in which a variable changes over time |