Critical Thinking and The Scientific Method

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and concepts related to critical thinking and the scientific method, including definitions and comparisons of reasoning types.

Empirical

Source of knowledge acquired by means of observation or experimentation.

Systematic

Methodical, regular, and orderly.

Subjective vs. Objective

Subjective is open to interpretation, using opinions and personal experience; Objective is fact-based, measurable, and observable.

Descriptive Inquiry

Describes what is already existing in nature without manipulating variables.

Comparative Inquiry

Seeks to describe correlations between phenomena or variables without manipulation.

Experimental Inquiry

Involves manipulation of variables under controlled conditions to infer cause-and-effect relationships.

Scientific Method

A standardized process for critical thinking that reduces uncertainty about how the physical world works.

Inductive Reasoning

Creates general principles by starting with specific instances; not always logically valid.

Deductive Reasoning

Arrives at a conclusion based on generalizations; logically valid.

Falsifiable Hypothesis

A prediction that can be tested; must be structured in clear, definitive language.

Peer Review

A quality control system where work is examined by other experts in the field before publication.

Theory vs. Hypothesis

A hypothesis is an idea to be tested, while a theory has strong supporting evidence and is considered true, so far as currently known.

Law

A theory that has never been shown to be false through rigorous testing and evidence.

Cyclical Scientific Method

The process of scientific inquiry that allows for revisiting and repeating steps as new information arises.

Correlational Study

Research that looks at the relationship between two variables without implying causation.