Biology Final Chapter 1 Flashcards
Science
the process of using observations and experiments to draw conclusions based on evidence. It is a way of knowing.
Anecdotal evidence
An informal observation that has not been systematically tested. This would be evidence such as personal experience.
Peer review
A process in which independent scientific experts read scientific studies before they are published to ensure that the authors have appropriately designed and interpreted the study. It is to weed out any sloppy research as well as overstated claims, and thus ensure the integrity of the journal and its scientific findings. To further reduce the chance of bias, authors must declare any possible conflicts of interest and name all funding sources.
What are the steps and order of the scientific method?
- Make an observation
- Formulate a question using your observation
- study previous research
- form a scientific hypothesis
- experimentation
- draw conclusions
Hypothesis
A tentative explanation for a scientific observation or question. A scientific hypothesis must be testable (supported or rejected by carefully designed experiments) and falsifiable (can be ruled out by data that show that the hypothesis does not explain the observation). Not all explanations are scientific hypothesis.
Control group
The group in an experiment that experiences no experimental intervention or manipulation. The control group receives a placebo, which is a fake treatment given to mimic the experience of the experimental groups.
Experimental group
The group in an experiment that experiences the experimental intervention or manipulation.
Independent Variable
The variable, or factor, being deliberately changed in the experimental group.
Dependent variable
The measured result of an experiment, analyzed in both the experimental and control groups.
Sample Size
The number of experimental subjects or the number of times an experiment is repeated. In human studies, sample size is the number of participants. This can strengthen the confidence and reliability in the results.
Statistical significance
A measure of confidence that the results obtained are “real” and not due to chance. The larger the sample size, the more statistical significance there will be.
Correlation
A consistent relationship between to variables. Correlation is not causation. Finding a correlation that is not necessarily a cause is a typical result of epidemiological studies.
Randomized clinical trial
A controlled medical experiment in which subjects are randomly chosen to receive either and experimental treatment or a standard treatment (placebo). The problem with such a study is that it is often logistically challenging to conduct, since it can be difficult to get people to stick to the regimen for the length of the study.
