Introduction to Animal Science Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, experimental design, research types, and sub-disciplines from ADVS 1110 lecture notes.

Animal Science

The combination of disciplines that together comprise the study of (domestic) animals.

Scientific Method

A systematic method of gaining knowledge through experimentation (research) to assure that results did not occur just by chance.

Scientific Method Process

A series of steps to collect information or solve problems: 1) Problem/Observation, 2) Hypothesis, 3) Experimentation, 4) Data Analysis, 5) Conclusion, 6) Repeat.

Control Group

A constant in an experiment that is not treated with the variable being tested, serving as a baseline for comparison.

Experimental Group

Also known as the treatment group, it contains everything the control group has along with the specific variable(s) being tested.

Positive Control

A control group treated with a known condition or substance that produces a predictable response to ensure the experimental system is working correctly.

Negative Control

A control group where no treatment or active substance is added, showing what happens when no variable is changed.

Basic Research

Research focused on looking at why or how processes occur, typically conducted in a benchtop or laboratory setting.

Applied Research

Research that uses discoveries made in basic research to help in a practical manner, typically conducted as field or farm research.

Ethology

An animal science specialty field defined as the study of animal behavior.

Meat Science

An animal science sub-discipline focusing on meat products, processing, and consumption.