M1 - Chapter 1 (Process of Science)

Science

A process of using observations and experiments to draw evidence-based conclusions.

Anecdotal Evidence

Evidence derived from personal observation and experience, which is often unreliable and not systematically tested

Scientific Evidence

Evidence derived from systematic observation and experimentation, which is testable, falsifiable, and peer-reviewed.

Peer Review

A formal vetting process where experts review an article before publication to ensure appropriate design and interpretation

Scientific Hypothesis

A testable and falsifiable explanation for a scientific observation or question

Testable (Hypothesis)

An explanation that can be supported or rejected by carefully designed experiments or studies.

Falsifiable (Hypothesis)

An explanation that can be ruled out by data or shown to be false.

Controlled Experiment

A carefully designed test that compares an experimental group to a control group to rule out other factors.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that experiences the experimental intervention or manipulation (receives the independent variable)

Control Group

The group in an experiment that experiences no intervention (receives a placebo) and serves as a basis for comparison

Independent Variable

The factor that is deliberately changed in the experimental group

Dependent Variable

The measured result of an experiment, analyzed in both control and experimental groups

Placebo

A fake treatment that mimics the experience of the experimental group to isolate the effect of the independent variable

Statistical Significance

Confidence that the results obtained are "real" and not produced by random chance (typically a p-value less than 0.05)

Scientific Theory

A hypothesis that has never been disproved, even after many years of rigorous testing and supported by a body of evidence

Epidemiology

The study of patterns of disease in populations, including risk factors

Correlation

A consistent relationship between two variables, which does not prove that one causes the other

Clinical Trial

A controlled experimental study where subjects are randomly assigned to control and experimental groups to test an independent variable