scientific method Flashcards
define mean
the average of a data set
how to find mean
add all the numbers in a data set and divide by the number of values.
what is median
the middle value when a data set is ordered from least to greatest
what is mode
the number that occurs most often in a data set
Scientific method
observation, hypothesis, Experimentation, Analysis, Conclusion, Replication.
falsifiability
the ability of a theory or hypothesis to be proven false through testing and observation
non falsifiable
religion, faith. not subject to scientific testing . not based on objective evidence.
discriptive statistics
used to simplify and summarise data.uses averages to provide a single discriptive value for an entire set.
inferential statistics
uses sample data to make a general statement about a population.makes predictions and draws conclusions.
sampling error
discrepency between a sample statistic and the corresponding population parameters.
what is a variable
can be manipulated or controlled in order to test the phenomena being studied.
independant variable
manipulated in order to see the effect on the dependant variable
dependant variable
can be measured or observed in a study and is thought to be influenced by the independant. vslue depends on the value of the IV
example of IV and DV
IV - The type of clothes(you can control)
DV - how confidernt you feel
IV can affect DV
DISCRETE VARIABLE
Can only take on specific values: number of cars or children in a household
