Scientific Method and Inquiry

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the scientific method, hypothesis formulation, and experimental design.

Hypothesis

A potential reason for a pattern observed in nature.

Prediction

A testable statement that could support or contradict a hypothesis.

Theory

A comprehensive explanation of a phenomenon supported by substantial evidence.

Independent variable

The variable that is manipulated or changed by the experimenter.

Dependent variable

The response of the system that is measured and is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Controlled variables

Factors that are kept constant in an experiment to prevent them from affecting the outcome.

Experimental manipulation

The act of deliberately changing a variable to observe its effect.

Feedback and peer review

The process where findings are evaluated by other experts in the field.

Observational studies

Research that relies on observing correlations without manipulating variables.

Experimental studies

Research where the experimenter controls conditions to test hypotheses.

Consensus building

The process of reaching an agreement among scientists after reviewing findings.

Replicated findings

Results that have been verified by conducting the experiment again.

Inductive logic

Reasoning that moves from specific observations to broader generalizations.

Deductive logic

Reasoning that starts with a theory or hypothesis and tests it against observations.

Food Competition Hypothesis

The idea that giraffes have long necks to feed at heights unavailable to shorter animals.

Control group

A group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment and is used for comparison.