Science inquiry - Ch 1.1 - 1.3 Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is human biological science?
The scientific study of humans, both as individuals and as populations, and the study of the interaction between humans and their environment.
What is the definition of science?
A process of inquiry and a body of knowledge that continually increases as new discoveries are made.
What are the four methods scientists use to investigate?
- Literature review
- Observation
- Classification
- Experimentation
What does the scientific method begin with?
Identifying a problem.
What is a variable in an experiment?
Any factor that may change during an experiment.
What is an independent variable?
The factor that is being investigated and deliberately changed.
What is a dependent variable?
The factor that changes due to the changes made to the independent variable.
What are controlled variables?
Factors that are kept the same for both the control and experimental groups.
What is a hypothesis?
A statement of the expected relationship between the independent and dependent variable that can be tested.
What are the characteristics of a good hypothesis?
- Is a definite statement, not a question
- Is short
- Has a single idea that can be tested
- Links the independent and dependent variables
What is a control experiment?
An experiment in which nothing has been changed, used for comparison.
What is data in scientific experiments?
Information observed and recorded from the experiment.
How should data be presented?
In an organized manner, such as in tables or graphs.
What is the purpose of a table in data presentation?
To present data in a concise way with an informative title and headings.
What type of graph is used for continuous data?
Line graphs.
What is the purpose of a line of best fit in a graph?
To show the trend between the variables.
What are bar or column graphs used for?
To graph discrete data.
What is a histogram used for?
To show frequencies of particular values or characteristics.
What does it mean to interpret data?
To make conclusions based on the collected data and its relationship to the hypothesis.
What happens if a hypothesis is disproved?
The scientist must make a new hypothesis or modify the original one.
What is required for a method to be valid?
It must fairly test the hypothesis so that only the independent variable affects the results.
What are three types of experimental errors?
- Human error
- Random errors
- Systematic errors
What is the definition of ethics in scientific research?
A set of moral principles or values that guide behavior.
What are the five principles of an ethically sound investigation?
- Voluntary participation
- Informed consent
- Ask of harm (should be minimized)
- Confidentiality
- Anonymity
