Scientific Thinking: The Principles of the Scientific Method

Flashcards covering the three main principles of the scientific method—Empirical Verification, Operational Definition, and Statistical Generalization—as presented by Dr. Sally Elomda.

Empirical Verification

The principle stating that the investigator must provide evidence that there is a correspondence between what is described and what is observed in reality.

Operational Definition

The principle stating that the investigator is required to define all the terms that are used in his study to ensure all observations are testable.

Scientific statements

Statements that are only considered scientific if they are testable.

Statistical Generalization

The principle that generalizations are valid if the original observation is representative of the conditions that have not been observed.