Elements of Research Lecture Notes

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the Elements of Research lecture notes.

Scientific Approach

A systematic pursuit of knowledge involving recognition and formulation of a problem, collection of data through observations and experiments, formulation, and testing of hypotheses.

Common Sense

A body of 'rules of thumb' for how the world operates, which may not always be accurate or scientifically valid.

Systematic

Referring to a methodical, thorough, and regular procedure in scientific inquiry.

Objective

Unbiased, detached, or impersonal viewpoint characteristic of scientific observation.

Theory

A set of ideas or principles intended to explain something or justify a course of action.

Hypothesis

A testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables.

Self-Correction

The process by which scientific inquiry continuously tests and refines hypotheses based on new evidence.

Dynamic View of Science

Considers science as an activity focused on discovery and expansion of knowledge.

Static View of Science

A perspective that relies on existing knowledge and aims to add to it without questioning its validity.

Prediction in Science

Making inferences based on observed facts or laws to anticipate outcomes under specific conditions.

Control in Research

The ability to manage or regulate variables in an experiment to ensure accurate results.

Scientific Inquiry

The various organized methods of investigating problems and answering questions through experimentation.

Explanation

Describes how and why phenomena occur, providing meaning to observations.

Observation

Careful and systematic watching and recording of phenomena.

Experimentation

The process of conducting tests to evaluate hypotheses through controlled methods.

Data Analysis

The process of inspecting, cleaning, evaluating, and modeling data with the goal of discovering useful information.

Steps of the Scientific Method

The sequential phases of inquiry including asking questions, conducting background research, constructing hypotheses, testing them through experimentation, and communicating results.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

Organisms without a backbone that live at the bottom of water bodies, often used in ecological assessments.

Meiofauna

Small organisms living in both marine and freshwater environments, especially in sediment, significant for ecological studies.

Meristic Measurements

A method of fish identification based on counting specific anatomical features.