Bio 11000 Lab 1: Scientific Method and Metric System

These flashcards cover the essential vocabulary and concepts from the Bio 11000 Lab 1 lecture on the scientific method and metric system.

Scientific Method

A systematic process used for experimentation that includes seven steps: Observe, Formulate a Question, Research, Hypothesis, Design Procedure, Experiment, Analyze Results, Conclude.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment and is used as a benchmark to measure how the other tested groups perform.

Experiment

A logical, consistent procedure for stating and solving problems in the natural world.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon, used as a starting point for further investigation.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment; it changes in response to the independent variable.

Quantitative Data

Information that can be measured and expressed numerically, such as height, weight, and temperature.

Qualitative Data

Information that cannot be measured numerically and often involves characteristics such as color, texture, and taste.

Law vs Theory

A law predicts outcomes based on observed phenomena, while a theory explains why those phenomena occur.

Metric System

A decimal-based system of measurement used in science and everyday life, involving units like meters, liters, and grams.

Placebo

An inactive substance or treatment given to a control group in an experiment.

Scatter Plot

A type of graph that displays values for typically two variables for a set of data.

Line Graph

A graph that represents information as a series of points connected by straight lines to illustrate trends over time.

Histogram

A type of bar graph that represents the distribution of numerical data and is used for frequency data.

Pie Chart

A circular graph divided into slices to illustrate numerical proportional data.

Graph Title

A brief description that summarizes what the graph is about; it should be informative and relevant.

Units of Measurement

Standard quantities used to specify measurements, such as kilograms, liters, or degrees Celsius.