Chapter 1 Flashcards
Three steps of the Scientific Method
Observing, Hypothesizing, Experimenting
Which step of the Scientific Method uses testing?
Experimenting
What is a tentative explanation?
Hypothesis
What term means that the hypothesis can be proven false if one or more of its predictions are false?
Falsifiable
What term means that a scientist will obtain consistent results if he performs the same experiment many times?
Repeatability
What is the ability of other scientists to reach the same conclusion by performing the same experiment under different conditions?
Reproducibility
If a theory is verified by enough observations and experiments and stands the test of time, it may become accepted as a _________________.
Scientific law
The scope of science is limited to what?
The study of created matter and energy in the present.
What limitation of science can lead a scientist to interpret data in a way that supports his own political, social, or economic views?
Bias
What is a conclusion based on reasoning from evidence?
Inference
In deductive reasoning, a statement of fact is called what?
Proposition
An if/then statement, like “If an object is made of balsa, then it will float in water,” is a special type of proposition called what?
Hypothetical proposition
If A, then B. (If an object is made of balsa, then it will float in water.)
A is true. (This object is made of balsa.)
Therefore, B is true. (Therefore, the object will float.)
Affirming the antecedent.
Reasoning from specific to general; the ultimate purpose is to determine cause/effect.
Inductive Reasoning
The simplest way to determine a cause through inductive reasoning; Two situations are the same except for one factor.
Method of difference
All but one factor is the same in every situation.
Method of concomitant variation
Which fallacy includes the assumption that the conclusion is true?
Circular reasoning
Which fallacy assumes that a change in one factor caused a change in another factor, just because the second occurred after the first?
Post Hoc Fallacy
Which fallacy occurs when a term is misleadingly used with two different meanings in a single argument?
Equivocation
Which fallacy occurs when someone attacks the person making an argument instead of challenging the person’s facts, premises, or reasoning?
Ad Hominem Fallacy
Which fallacy is an argument based on the support of someone considered an authority instead of being based on facts and sound reason?
Argument from Authority
What is the use of science to solve practical problems?
Technology
What are the minimum characteristics a design must have in order to function at all?
Criteria
What is giving up a less important characteristic for a characteristic that is more important?
Tradeoff
