Concept 1.3: In studying nature, scientists form and test hypotheses

Flashcards from Concept 1.3 of Pearson's Campbell Biology, Twelfth Edition.

Science

A word derived from Latin that means “to know”

Inquiry

The search for information and explanations of natural phenomena through logical hypothesis testing

Data

Recorded observations

Qualitative data

Recorded descriptions of observations

Quantitative data

Numerical measurements typically organized into tables and graphs

Inductive reasoning

Deriving generalizations from a large number of specific observations

Hypothesis

An explanation based on observations and assumptions that leads to a testable prediction that can be tested through additional observations or experiments

Experiment

A scientific test carried out under controlled conditions

Deductive reasoning

Using general premises to make specific predictions, as initial observations may give rise to multiple hypotheses

Scientific method

An idealized process of inquiry; few scientific inquiries adhere rigidly to this approach and may require backtracking or further studies

Controlled experiment

An experiment where an experimental group is compared with a control group that establishes a baseline

Variables

Features or quantities that vary in an experiment

Independent variable

The variable that is manipulated by researchers

Dependent variable

The variable that is predicted to be affected in response to the independent variable’s modification

Theory

A more general and broad idea than a hypothesis that can lead to many new, testable hypotheses to create a large body of evidence in support of it