Scientific Methodology and Intro to Life Flashcards

Flashcards about the scientific method and biology. Includes vocabulary from lecture notes.

Science

An organized way of learning more about the natural world by gathering evidence and analyzing it.

Non-Science

An area of study that is not scientific, such as art or religion.

Pseudoscience

Statements, beliefs, or practices that are scientific or factual, but not consistent with the scientific method and cannot be tested or lack evidence.

Observation/Question (problem statement)

Question to be answered in the scientific method.

Hypothesis

Predict the outcome of the problem. Can only be right or wrong.

Control group

Group not tested-used as comparison in an experiment.

Experimental group

Group being tested in an experiment.

Constants

Factors of the experiment that remain the same.

Independent variable (Manipulated)

Variable that is tested (only one).

Dependent variable (Responding)

Variable that is measured

Analyze Data

Examine the data (Quantitative/Qualitative).

Inferences

Logical interpretations based on what is already known.

Hypothesis

Scientific explanation for a set of observations that can be tested in ways that support or reject it.

Quantitative data

Observations involve numbers and measurements.

Qualitative data

Descriptive data that involves characteristics that cannot usually be counted; Uses senses.

Peer Review

Helps validate research, establish a method by which it can be evaluated, and increase networking possibilities within research communities.

Biology

Study of living things.

Cells

Basic units that make up living things.

Homeostasis

Maintain a stable internal environment.