Scientific Investigation Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is a hypothesis?
A proposition made as a basis for reasoning, without any assumption of its truth
What is a theory?
A well substantiated explanation, based on a body of facts that have been confirmed through observation
What is a law?
A generalised rule to explain a body of observations in the form of a verbal or mathematical statement
What is an example of a hypothesis?
At least 20% of all juvenile offenders are caught and sentenced to prison
What is an observation?
Any data recorded during a scientific experiment or the recording of data with the use of scientific instruments
What is an inference?
An idea or conclusion drawn from evidence or reasoning
What does accuracy refer to?
The closeness of a measured value to a standard or known value
What does precision refer to?
The closeness of two or more measurements to each other
What is an example of accuracy?
A basketball player whose shots always take the ball close or into the basket
What is an example of precision?
A basketball player whose shots always land in the same locations
What is an example of accuracy and precision?
A basketball player who always gets the ball in the hoop
What is an independent variable?
The variable that is changed in a scientific experiment to test the effects on the dependent variable
What is the dependent variable?
The variable being measured or tested during a scientific experiment
What is the controlled variable?
The element in the experiment which is constant and unchanged throughout
Where are the dependent and independent variables found?
Dependent variable on the y-axis (vertical) and independent variable on the x-axis (horizontal)
What is a random error?
A statistical fluctuation in he measured data due to precision limitations of the measurement device
What is a systematic error?
A consistent, repeatable error associated with faulty equipment or flawed experiment design
What is a gross error?
A human error usually made when recording or reading the results
