Scientific Inquiry Flashcards
(28 cards)
Independent variable
The one thing you intend to change in an experiments
Dependent variable
The variable that changes as a result of the independent variable, what we do not know and are testing to find out
Constant variable
A variable that could change, but the experimenter would purposefully keep constant to help isolate the relationship between the independent & dependent variable
Controlled variable
A variable that is held constant during an experiment
Scientific Method steps in order
Observation → Central Question → Hypothesis → Experiment → Results
T/F: A hypothesis and a prediction are two terms that mean the same thing
False
Biology
The scientific study of life
Science
An area of study that searches for information, data, evidence and or answers to specific questions to help better understand the natural world
Data
Recorded observations; evidence based on scientific inquiry
Hypothesis
A proposed explanation for a set of observations
Experiments
Scientific tests
A valid hypothesis must be what? (2 requirements)
Testable and falsifiable
Is the process of the scientific method linear?
No, it has guidelines that are flexible and adaptable
Peer review
The evaluation of work usually done by qualified, impartial and anonymous experts who weren’t involved with the specific study
Which of the following is NOT a property of life? And why?
Movement; because it is a CHARACTERISTIC of living things not a PROPERTY
What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
A hypothesis is more specific/detailed whereas a theory is more broad and contains more general explanations
What are the 6 characteristics of living things?
1) Complex and organized
2) Able to self-regulate through homeostasis
3) Are able to reproduce themselves
4) Have the capacity to evolve
5) Respond to stimuli
6) Acquire and use materials & energy
The 2 ways in which you can conduct science:
- Discovery
- Scientific method
T/F: Organisms evolve
False! Individual organisms do not evolve!
T/F: Populations do not evolve
False; populations do evolve!
Every object in the universe is composed of [____]?
Matter
T/F: A non-living object may display some characteristics of being alive, but not all of them (i.e. a virus)
True!
What is pseudoscience?
Any field of study that is falsely presented as having a scientific basis
T/F: All living organisms are interconnected through vibrant communities
True!
