BIOL103 Lecture Notes - Foundations of Biology and Scientific Method

Vocabulary flashcards covering course structure, scientific method, evidence types, and study designs from the lecture notes.

Scientific method

A process of making observations and performing experiments to draw evidence-based conclusions; a way of knowing.

Anecdotal evidence

Informal, personal experience that is not verified and may inspire scientific study.

Scientific evidence

Evidence derived from systematic observation and experimentation; hypotheses tested and often peer-reviewed.

Peer review

Evaluation of research by experts before publication to ensure validity and fairness.

Hypothesis

A testable and falsifiable explanation for a scientific observation or question.

Observation

An initial, often informal noticing that raises questions and guides inquiry.

Question

A query formulated from an observation that can be tested scientifically.

Experiment

A carefully designed test to measure effects and test a hypothesis.

Independent variable

The factor deliberately manipulated by the experimenter.

Dependent variable

The outcome that is measured in an experiment.

Controlled experiment

An experiment that includes a control group to isolate the effect of a single variable.

Control group

The group that does not receive the experimental treatment; baseline for comparison.

Experimental group

The group that receives the experimental treatment or variable.

Correlation

A consistent relationship between two variables that does not prove causation.

Causation

A relationship in which one variable directly causes a change in another.

Epidemiology

The study of patterns of disease and health factors in populations.

Theory

A well-supported, evidence-based explanation of natural phenomena; a current best understanding.

Hypothesis testing

Process of testing hypotheses through controlled experiments or observational studies; hypotheses can be supported, revised, or rejected.

p-value

Probability of obtaining results at least as extreme as observed if the null hypothesis is true; used to assess statistical significance.

Statistical significance

A result that is unlikely due to chance, often indicated by a low p-value.

Placebo

An inert treatment used as a control in clinical trials.

Randomized clinical trial

A study design where subjects are randomly assigned to control or treatment groups to test a variable.

Case-controlled study

An observational study comparing people with a disease to controls to identify potential causes.

Observational study

A study that observes outcomes without manipulating variables.

Media evaluation of science

Assessing study design and strength of evidence; media reports can oversimplify or sensationalize results.

Biology

The scientific study of life, including description, origin, and functioning of living organisms.

Science

A method to seek answers using observations and experiments; a process and a way of knowing.

Evidence from literature

Reviewing relevant, peer-reviewed scientific literature to inform conclusions.