The Nature of Science and Experimental Design

Constants

Characteristics of your experimental system that do not change

Control Group

The group that is treated identical to the experimental group expect they are not exposed to the treatment

Dependent Variable

The variable that us measured during the experiment

Experimental Group

The group that receives the treatment

Inference

An idea based on evidence, observation, and/or known information applied to a situation or phenomena

Law (Scientific)

A law that generalizes a body of observations. At the time it is made, no expectations have been found to a law. It explains things but does normdescribe them; serves as the basis of scientific principles

Placebo

A false treatment

Principle (Scientific)

A concept based on scientific laws and axioms (rules assumed to be present, true, and valid) where general agreement is present

Observation

Involves measuring or observing some ascept of nature

Science

A body of evidence-based know if gained thought discovery for finding out how the world works

Scientific Method

The process of examination and discovery for finding out how the world works

Theory (Scientific)

An explanation of observable phenomena based on available empirical data and guided by a system of logic that includes scientific laws; provides a system of assumptions, accepted principles, and rules of procedure devised to analyze, predict, or otherwise explain the nature or behavior of a specific set of phenomena

Treatment

Any experimental condition applied to individuals

Variables

Characteristics of your experimental system that are subject to change