The Nature & Methods of Science: Vocab

observation

using the 5 senses to gather data

inference

Assumptions or conclusions made from observations

hypothesis

A testable prediction or possible answer to a question that can be re-written

dependent variable

The outcome that may "DEPEND" on the independent variable

independent variable

The variable (factor) that is being changed in a deliberate way

experimental group

Group receiving the variable (factor) being tested

control group

Used for comparison; doesn't contain the experimental (independent) variable

constant

Variables (factors) that are kept the same between the control and experimental groups

qualitative data

Uses information describing color, odor, shape, or some other physical characteristic to collect data

quantitative data

Uses measurements to collect data

statistically significant

refers to a result that is statistically unlikely to have occurred by chance

abiotic

non-living components in an ecosystem; eg soil, water, atmosphere

biotic

living things within an ecosystem; eg plants, animals

falsifiable

able to be disproven by experimental results

testable

able to be observed and measured

peer review

A process by which the procedures and results of an experiment are evaluated by other scientists who are in the same field or who are conducting similar research.