Science Notebook: Study Cycle, Scientific Method, and Experimental Design

Vocabulary flashcards covering the study cycle, scientific method steps, experimental formats, bias types, and data classifications.

Science goal

Something specific you want to improve or accomplish in science this semester.

Ritual or systems goal

A goal focused on how you work, not what you know (such as turning work in on time or studying a little at a time).

Formula to learn anything

Variation and Repetition.

Variation (in learning)

A component of learning that makes the neural path stronger.

Repetition (in learning)

A component of learning that strengthens and reinforces the neural path.

Retrieval

Testing the path to see where the knowledge is.

Encode

The first step of the study cycle, which puts knowledge into your brain.

Natural experiment

An experiment that observes events that happen naturally, where the scientist watches rather than doing or manipulating anything.

Field experiment

An experiment conducted by going out into nature where control variables change in the environment.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction backed by reasoning, rather than a mere guess.

Quantitative data

Data involving quantities and numbers, consisting of observations made with numbers.

Qualitative data

Data involving descriptions using your senses without numbers.

Confirmation bias

A type of bias where a person only agrees with information they already believe and ignores evidence that contradicts it.

Sampling bias

A type of bias that occurs from testing a group that does not represent the entire population being studied.

Personal bias

A type of bias where a researcher's own expectations affect how they collect or interpret data.

Measurement bias

A type of bias resulting from using a flawed tool or method to collect data.

"If" component of a hypothesis

The part of the hypothesis statement that specifies the independent variable and states what you will change.

"Then" component of a hypothesis

The part of the hypothesis statement that predicts what will happen to the dependent variable and states how it will be measured.

"Because" component of a hypothesis

The part of the hypothesis statement that provides the reasoning and explanation supported by background research.