Unit 0 – Nature of Science & Experimental Design

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Unit 0 Nature of Science notes, including scientific method steps, variables, hypotheses, data types, graphing, and an example adaptation (icefish).

Icefish

A polar‐dwelling fish adapted to cold water; survives without red blood cells.

Scientific Method

Systematic process for answering questions: observe, research, hypothesize, collect data, experiment, analyze.

Observation

First step of the scientific method; noticing and describing events or processes.

Hypothesis

A proposed, testable explanation based on limited evidence; often written in If…then…because form.

Null Hypothesis (H0)

Statement claiming no relationship exists between variables (e.g., coin flips result in equal heads and tails).

Alternative Hypothesis (H1)

Statement that contradicts the null, proposing a relationship between variables.

Independent Variable (IV)

The factor deliberately changed by the experimenter; the “cause.”

Dependent Variable (DV)

The factor measured in response to changes in the IV; the “effect.”

Controlled Variable (Constant)

Potentially influential factor kept unchanged throughout an experiment (e.g., light speed, gravity).

Control Group

Experimental group kept under normal conditions to serve as a standard for comparison.

Experimental Group

Group receiving the IV treatment(s) to test its effects.

Quantitative Data

Numerical measurements and calculations collected during an experiment.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive observations gathered via the senses and written notes.

DRY MIX

Mnemonic: Dependent/Responding on Y-axis; Manipulated/Independent on X-axis.

Line Graph

Graph type showing relationships between two continuous numerical variables.

Bar Graph

Graph type used to compare data across discrete categories or groups.