Scientific Skills and Data Analysis

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on Chapter 1 covering scientific methods, data representation, measurement principles, scientific notation, and physical sciences.

Observation

The act of gathering data using your five main senses.

Inference

Using observations to make or draw conclusions.

Scientific Method

Systematic approach used in scientific study.

Qualitative data

Data that describes physical characteristics.

Quantitative data

Numerical information.

Hypothesis

An explanation or educated guess.

Experiment

Set of controlled observations that is carefully planned and has a detailed procedure.

Independent variable

The condition that the experimenter changes (manipulates).

Dependent variable

The value that changes (responds) because of the independent variable.

Constants

Conditions that do not change.

Control

Standard to compare.

Model

A visual, verbal, or mathematical explanation of experimental data.

Theory

Hypothesis (explanation) that has been supported by many experiments.

Scientific law

Hypothesis in nature that has been supported by many experiments and has not been contradicted.

Data tables

A simple way to present data visually but show no relationships between the variables.

Graphs

Visual tools that do show relationships between the variables.

Bar Graphs

Used to compare a set of measurements, amounts, or changes.

Circle Graphs (Pie Graphs)

Shows how a part of something relates to the whole – shows percentages.

Line Graphs

Shows changes that occur in the related variables.

Slope

Represents the relationship between 2 variables on a line graph, calculated as $\text{Slope} = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$.

Direct relationship

A relationship where the variables both increase or both decrease.

Inverse relationship

A relationship where one variable increases and the other decreases or vice versa.

Scientific Notation

Expresses numbers as a multiple of 2 factors: a number between 1 and 9, and ten raised to a power (exponent).

Base unit

A defined unit in a system of measurement that is based on an event in the physical world.

Conversion factor

A ratio of equal values used to express the same quantity in different units.

Dimensional analysis (factor label)

Method of problem solving that focuses on the units used to describe matter.

Significant Figures

In a measurement, includes all known digits plus one estimated digit.

Precision

How close a set of measurements are to each other, regardless if correct or not.

Accuracy

How close a measurement is to the true or accepted value.

Percent error

Calculated using the formula $\text{Percent error} = \frac{|\text{your value} - \text{accepted value}|}{\text{accepted value}} \times 100$.

Science

Concerned with gathering knowledge and organizing it.

Technology

Uses knowledge for practical purposes and gives us the tools to conduct investigations.

Physics

Study of the basic concepts of motion, force, energy, matter, heat, sound, light, and of atoms.

Chemistry

Explains how matter is put together, how atoms combine to form molecules, and how the molecules combine to make the materials around us.

Geology

Applying chemistry and physics to explain the Earth and the processes of the Earth.

Meteorology

Applying chemistry, physics, and geology to explain the weather processes on the Earth.

Astronomy

Applying chemistry, physics, and geology to explain other planets and the universe.