Ideas About Science (OCR)

Scientific Method

Scientific Method

"A systematic approach to research involving observation, hypothesis formation, experiment, data collection, and analysis to explain natural phenomena."

Hypothesis

"A testable explanation for a specific observation or phenomenon."

Independent Variable

"The variable manipulated or changed in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable."

Controlled Variables

"Variables in an experiment that are kept constant to ensure that only the independent variable's effect is measured."

Experiment

"A controlled procedure designed to test a hypothesis."

Measurement

"The process of determining the value of a quantity."

Risk Assessment

"Evaluation of potential risks associated with an experiment to ensure safety and reliability of results."

Data Processing

"Organizing, analyzing, and interpreting experimental results."

Precision

"Closeness of agreement between independent measurements of the same quantity."

Repeatability

"Ability of an entire experiment or study to be duplicated, either by the same researcher or by someone else."

Reproducibility

"Consistency of results when an experiment is replicated by others using different equipment or methods."

Accuracy

"Closeness of measurements to the true value."

Data Interpretation

"Analyzing experimental results to draw conclusions."

Scientific Notation

"A way of expressing numbers that are too large or too small to be conveniently written in decimal form."

Units

"Standardized quantities used to express measurements."

SI Units

"The International System of Units used in science."

Unit Conversion

"Changing units from one form to another (e.g. meters to centimeters)."

Graphs

"Visual representations of data to identify trends and relationships."

Charts

"Visual representations of data, such as bar charts or pie charts."

Correlation

"A mutual relationship or connection between two or more variables."

Causal Relationship

"A relationship where a change in one variable causes a change in another variable."

Experimental Design

"The design and structure of an experiment, including variables, procedures, and controls."

Scientific Justification

"Explanation based on scientific principles or evidence."

Scientific Theory

"A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence, repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation."

Modification of Theories

"The process by which existing scientific theories may be revised or replaced in response to new evidence or observations that challenge the current explanation."

Peer Review

"The evaluation of scientific work by others with similar expertise to ensure its validity, originality, and significance before publication."

Big Bang Theory

"A widely accepted scientific theory that describes the origin and evolution of the universe."

Theory of Evolution

"A scientific theory that explains how species evolve over time through natural selection."

Scientific Advancements

"Progress made in science and technology that can benefit society through innovations and improvements in various fields."

Positive Effects of Science and Technology

"Benefits and advancements resulting from scientific and technological developments that improve human life and well-being."

Negative Effects of Science and Technology

"Drawbacks and potential hazards associated with scientific and technological advancements, such as environmental impact and unforeseen consequences."

Risk Assessment

"The process of evaluating potential risks associated with scientific and technological advancements to minimize adverse effects and ensure safety."

Scientific Risk Reduction

"Strategies and measures implemented to reduce risks associated with scientific and technological developments."

Perceived Risk

"Individuals' subjective assessment or belief about the level of risk posed by certain activities or technologies, which may not always align with actual risk."

Calculated Risk

"A decision-making process where potential benefits outweigh perceived risks after careful evaluation of available data and evidence."

Balancing Benefit and Risk

"Considering both the advantages and potential hazards of scientific and technological advancements to make informed decisions."

Ethical Considerations

"Moral principles and considerations that guide decisions about scientific research, applications, and their impacts on society."

Peer Community

"Scientists within a specific field who evaluate and validate research findings through peer review."

Validity

"The extent to which a scientific study accurately measures what it claims to measure."

Originality

"The novelty of scientific research, indicating whether similar studies have been conducted and recognized previously."

Significance

"The importance and impact of scientific findings or conclusions within a specific field or for society."

Evidence-Based Decision Making

"Making informed decisions based on empirical evidence, and scientific understanding."

Public Engagement

"Communicating scientific findings and considerations to diverse audiences, including the public, policymakers, and other scientists."

Scientific Communication

"The process of sharing research findings, methods, and implications with various audiences in a clear and accessible manner."