Science, Evidence, and the Scientific Method (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on science, evidence, and the scientific method.

Science

The body of knowledge about the natural world, and the process of acquiring that knowledge through observation, inquiry, and testing.

Evidence

Data or observations that support or refute a claim or hypothesis; can be combined with other information to form an explanation.

Anecdotal

Evidence based on personal experience or stories rather than systematic data; not scientifically rigorous.

Evidence-based

Conclusions drawn from systematically collected data and replicable observations; supported by robust evidence.

Independent validation

Other researchers independently repeat a study or measurement and obtain the same results, increasing confidence.

Peer review

A process where experts evaluate research before publication to check methods, findings, and quality.

Observation

Information gathered through careful noticing or measurement, used to form hypotheses.

Hypothesis

A testable statement about how or why something happens, formulated from observations and used to guide experiments.

Bias

A preconception or preference that can influence data collection, interpretation, or reporting; minimized by good study design.

Prediction

An expected outcome derived from a hypothesis, used to design tests and evaluate results.

Clutch

A single reproductive event in which an organism lays multiple eggs.

Fecundity

The reproductive capacity of an organism, often measured by the number of eggs or offspring produced.

Rosy wolf snail

Predatory snail (Euglandina rosea) that preys on other snails and influences snail populations.

P. hyalina

The white snail; has high fecundity and broader distribution, contributing to survival under predation.

P. clara

Another snail species with relatively high reproduction, used for comparison with P. hyalina.

Giant African land snail

Large snail species that became less of a problem due to predation by the rosy wolf snail.

Junk science

Claims or methods lacking credible evidence or misuse of data; not scientifically valid.