Nature of Science and Scientific Method

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the nature of science, scientific methods, and elements of scientific experiments.

What is bias in scientific studies?

A personal belief that may unconsciously influence data interpretation.

What defines a controlled experiment?

An experiment in which only one variable is changed to observe its effect.

What is empirical evidence?

Information gathered through direct observation.

What is a hypothesis?

A possible explanation for a set of observations or a potential answer to a scientific question.

What are systematic observations?

A method of gathering data through structured and careful observation.

What distinguishes quantitative data from qualitative data?

Quantitative data involves numbers obtained by counting or measuring, while qualitative data describes characteristics that cannot usually be measured.

What is the importance of a control group in an experiment?

It is the group that does not receive the treatment, allowing researchers to compare results with the experimental group.

What role does scientific argumentation play in scientific inquiry?

It's essential for generating and validating scientific knowledge.

What is the purpose of repetition and replication in scientific investigations?

To ensure reliability and validity of results by repeating the same procedures multiple times.

Define a scientific investigation.

A process of inquiry that uses observation, experimentation, and data analysis to understand the natural world.