Chapter 1 — Process of Science

Textbook and lecture

Science

A way of knowing, a method of seeking answers to questions on the basis of observation and experiment

Scientific process

A process used to seek answers o questions through observations and experiments

Anecdotal evidence

Evidence from personal observations or experiences; not officially the first step but it can lead you to the first step of the scientific process

research

finding out hat information currently exists, including information from peer-reviewed scientific journals

peer review

a process that helps ensure scientific results are valid and accurately and fairly presented

hypothesis

a possible answer to a question

scientific hypothesis

a hypothesis that must be testable and falsifiable

Testable

ableto be texted through an investigation or experiement

falsifiable

able to be supported or rejected based on on evidence

controlled experiment

an experiment designed so that a specific factor can be deliberately changed and its effect measured

Independent variable

the factor being purposely being changed/changed in a deliberate way

dependent variable

The outcome that may ‘depend’ on the independent variable

Control group

a group that is identical to the experimental group except for the independent variable, which is deliberately being changed; receives the placebo

experimental group

the group that receives the experimental treatment/condition

Placebo

a fake treatment that mimics the experience of the experiemental group

sample size

the number of individuals included in a study; one factor that affected confidence in results’ accuracy → larger = more confidence, smaller = less confidence

statistical significance

results that are not due to chance

repeat trials

repeating an experiment/trial to increase confidene in the results

epidemiology

study of disease

correlation

a relationship between two variables (look for patterns); does not equal causation

scientific theory

a theory that has undergone extensive testing, is supported. By a significant body of evidence, and has never been disproved

scientific conclusion

based on the best evidence available at that time and can change when scientists obtain additional data, make better observations, or develop improved technology

Scientific method (steps in order)

Never ending cycle: ask a question, research, create a hypothesis, design a controlled experiment, analyze results, share your findings