World of Sound Test 1 Vocabulary

Validity

The degree to which a research study measures what it purports to measure

Alternate hypothesis

A hypothesis that states that any differences that are observed are NOT due to chance

Deduction

Reasoning that arrives at a conclusion or theory based on observation of specific instances

Determinism

The doctrine that all facts and events exemplify consistent natural laws

Empiricism/Doctrine of Observability

The theory that all knowledge is derived from sensory observations and experiences

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about relationships among variables

Induction

Reasoning that arrives at a conclusion or theory based on observation of specific instances

Null hypothesis

A hypothesis that states that any differences that are observed in an experiment are actually due to chance

Parsimony

A principle according to which an explanation of a thing or event is made with the fewest possible assumptions

Probability of a Type 1 error/level of significance

The probability that observed differences in an experiment are actually due to chance

Scientific Method

The process by which an investigator moves inductively from observations to a hypothesis, and then deductively from the hypothesis to its logical implications, which are then tested

Theory

Explanation of some aspect of the natural world that can be tested in accordance with the scientific method

Acceleration

Rate of change of velocity

Amplitude

Amount of displacement at the largest excursion(s) of the waveform

Area

The extent of a two dimensional figure or shape

Density

Mass per unit volume

Distance

Separation of two points

Displacement

Change in position

Energy

Capacity to perform work

Elasticity

Ability of an object to resume its normal shape after being stretched or compressed

Equilibrium

The position to which a system will return if displaced

Inertia

The property of a body that causes it to resist change, due to its mass

Intensity

Power per unit area

Mass

The amount of matter

Speed

Rate of change of distance

Time

The indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole

Velocity

Rate of change of position

Volume

The amount of space that a substance or object occupies

Kinetic energy

Energy of motion

Potential energy

Stored energy

Power

Rate at which work is done

Pressure

Force per unit area

Waveform

Graph of displacement as a function of time

Work

Product of force and distance