Chapter 1 Flashcards
(19 cards)
Def. : The modern process of scientific inquiry, leading to the acquisition of new knowledge or the correction and integration of old knowledge, based on observation, prediction and experimentation
Scientific Method
Def. : A proposed explanation for a phenomenon or of an observation, usually based on available evidence and previous observation, that generates testable predictions
Hypothesis
Def. : A statement of what will happen, assuming that the hypothesis is correct
Prediction
Def. : An experimental variable whose change is independent of the experiment, whose change you control
Independent variable
def.:An experimental variable whose change depends on the experiment, whose change you don’t control
Dependent variable
def. : Any independent variable that you hold constant rather than change, so as to assess the relationship between the independent and the dependent variable
Control variable
def. : information that we collect from a primary source, like using our senses or measuring equipment, as opposed to information collected by someone else
Observation
def. : Information that we collect with the intention of representing graphically or visually
Data
def. : The act of drawing a conclusion based on evidence known or assumed to be true, that allows for indirect understanding
Inference
def. Any aspect of experimental design or equipment that negatively affects results, over which you have no control
sources of error
What is the difference between mistakes and sources of error?
A mistake is avoidable and sources of error can just be reduced
def. : An explanation of some aspect of the natural world, developed through the scientific method, based on rigorous observation and experimentation
scientific theory
What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
hypothesis= proposed explanation theory= accepted explanation
def. : A visual aide that represents or simulates something that is difficult or impossible to observe directly, based on current scientific theory
Scientific model
def. : A summary of experimental evidence, stating that the outcome will always be the same under set conditions, but without offering a mechanism for or an explanation of a phenomena
Scientific law
What are some similarities between scientific law and theories?
- both are based on experimental results and observations
- both make predictions that can be tested
What are some differences between scientific laws and theories?
-A theory explains why something happens, while a law simply
states that it will
-• If a theory’s prediction is false, we modify the theory
• If a law’s prediction is false, we discard the law
def. : A way of representing numbers in exponential form, that are too big or too small to conveniently write in decimal form
Scientific notation
def. : A single straight line that best fits the graphed data
best-fit line
