Scientific Investigation - Vocabulary Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on scientific investigation.

Science

The careful study of the natural world to understand how things work, using observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Observation

Information gathered through the senses (taste, touch, smell, sight, sound).

Inference

A guess based on observations.

Question

A question that arises from observations to guide an investigation.

Hypothesis

A possible answer to a scientific question; testable and based on scientific knowledge; can be proven wrong.

If…Then

A form of hypothesis: if A occurs, then B will happen.

Controlled Experiment

An experiment designed to test a hypothesis by controlling variables; data gathered to compare results.

Independent Variable

The variable that the scientist deliberately changes.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured to see the effect of the independent variable.

Constants

Other factors that must not change during the experiment.

Control Group

Group that does not receive the tested variable; baseline for comparison.

Experimental Group

Group that receives the independent variable.

Evidence

Data that supports or challenges a hypothesis; more evidence increases likelihood of truth; not conclusive proof.

Drawing Conclusions

Interpreting data; results that support the hypothesis strengthen it; not necessarily proving it.

Communicating Results

Sharing methods and results with others to allow verification and replication.

Indirect Evidence

Evidence such as fossils or other data not directly observed.

Natural Studies

Investigations conducted in natural settings where you cannot control all variables.

Statistical Methods

Techniques to account for uncontrolled variables and analyze data patterns.

Modeling

Using simplified representations to study complex systems without a controlled experiment.

Scientific Model

A specific representation (computer, weather, climate, ecosystem, geologic) used to investigate real-world systems.

Theory

A broad, well-supported explanation that is widely accepted as true.

Theory of Evolution

A well-supported biological theory describing how evolution occurs.

Cell Theory

A foundational biology theory stating that all living things are made of cells.

Gene Theory

Theory that genes are the basic units of heredity.

Scientific Law

A statement describing a consistent natural phenomenon based on repeated experiments or observations.

Law of Gravity

Objects attract each other based on their mass and distance.

Law of Diffusion

Molecules move from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Biomimicry (Bio-Inspiration)

Using nature's designs and processes to solve human problems, such as airplane wings inspired by bird wings.