Term | Definition |
SCIENTIFIC THEORY | The explanation of some phenomenon that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning; that is supported by a large quantity of evidence; and that does not conflict with any existing experimental results or observations. |
Observation | The process of obtaining information by using the senses. The term can also refer to the information obtained by using the senses. |
EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE | the observations, measurements, and other types of data that people gather and test to support and evaluate scientific explanations. |
SCIENTIFIC LAW | A descriptive statement or equation that reliably predicts events under certain conditions. |
INDEPENDENT/TEST VARIABLE | In a scientific investigation, the factor that is deliberately manipulated. |
DEPENDENT/OUTCOME VARIABLE | In a scientific investigation, the factor that changes as a result of manipulation of one or more independent variables. |
CONTROL GROUP | A group in a scientific study that is given nothing special to compare it with a group given something scientists are testing. |
Experiment | An organized procedure to study something under controlled conditions. Scientist often conduct experiments to find out the cause of something they have observed. |
Scientific Model | A representation of an object or a system. Models are useful for studying things that are too large, small, or complex to accurately observe. |
Hypothesis | A testable idea or explanation that leads to scientific investigation. |
Data | Information gathered by observation or experimentation that can be used in calculating or reasoning. |
Replication | Replication occurs when an investigation is repeated by a different person. When a scientist replicates another person’s experiment, they should achieve the same results. |
Repetition | Repetition occurs when an investigation is repeated by the same person. When a scientist repeats their own experiment, they should achieve similar results each time. |