4. Testing Hypothesis

observation

statement about what one has seen, heard, or noticed

hypothesis

broad, logically consistent w/ observations, statement resulting in testable predictions

prediction

narrow method of determining if a hypothesis is true, applying it to a particular set of conditions or circumstances

assumption

necessary background for a prediction to hold true

experimental study

proposed casual factor (independent variable) is manipulated, more rigorous exam of cause, but difficult to ensure relevance to the natural setting

observational study

examines association between naturally occurring variables in a natural situation

comparative study

examines association between naturally occurring variables among evolutionary independent units, testing on an evolutionary time scale and requiring phylogeny