Biology 2 Flashcards
(30 cards)
Controlled experiment
A controlled experiment is a scientific test done under controlled conditions, meaning that just one (or a few) factors are changed at a time, while all others are kept constant.
Research question
The research question states the specific issue or problem that your assignment will focus on. It also outlines the task that you will need to complete. There is no universal set of criteria for a good research question.
Hypothesis
a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
Aim
a purpose or intention; a desired outcome.
Methodology
a system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.
Dependent variable
A dependent variable is the variable that changes as a result of the independent variable manipulation. It’s the outcome you’re interested in measuring, and it “depends” on your independent variable. In statistics, dependent variables are also called: Response variables (they respond to a change in another variable)
Independent Variable
An independent variable is exactly what it sounds like. It is a variable that stands alone and isn’t changed by the other variables you are trying to measure. For example, someone’s age might be an independent variable.
Controlled variable
A control variable is any variable that’s held constant in a research study. It’s not a variable of interest in the study, but it’s controlled because it could influence the outcomes.
Extraneous variable
An extraneous variable is any variable not being investigated that has the potential to affect the outcome of a research study. In other words, it is any factor not considered an independent variable that can affect the dependent variables or controlled conditions.
Replicates
A close or exact copy; a replica.
Experimental group
An experimental group is the group in an experiment that receives the variable being tested. One variable is tested at a time. The experimental group is compared to a control group, which does not receive the test variable. In this way, experimental groups are used to find answers in an experiment.
Control group
Cells that get no treatment in an experiment.
Accurate
(Especially of information, measurements, or predictions) correct in all details; exact.
Precise
marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail.
Reliable
consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.
Repeatable
able to be done again.
Reproducible
able to be reproduced or copied.
Valid
(of an argument or point) having a sound basis in logic or fact; reasonable or cogent.
Raw data
Raw data (sometimes called source data, atomic data or primary data) is data that has not been processed for use. A distinction is sometimes made between data and information to the effect that information is the end product of data processing.
Qualitative data
Qualitative data is information that cannot be counted, measured or easily expressed using numbers. It is collected from text, audio and images and shared through data visualization tools, such as word clouds, timelines, graph databases, concept maps and infographics.
Continuous data
Continuous data is data that can take any value. Height, weight, temperature and length are all examples of continuous data. Some continuous data will change over time; the weight of a baby in its first year or the temperature in a room throughout the day.
Discrete data
What is discrete data? Data that can only take certain values is called discrete data or discrete values. This is data that can be counted and has a limited number of values. It usually comes in the form of whole numbers or integers. These values must fit into certain categories and can’t be broken into smaller parts.
Quantitative data
Quantitative data are data represented numerically, including anything that can be counted, measured, or given a numerical value.
Uncertainty
the state of being uncertain.
