Process of Science and Data Collection Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering the scientific method, controlled experiment variables, data collection concepts, statistical calculations, and histograms.

Process of Science

A five-step scientific approach consisting of Observation/Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analyze, and Conclusion.

Hypothesis

A testable explanation or prediction about something.

Inductive Reasoning

Reasoning that uses specific observations to form a general idea.

Deductive Reasoning

Reasoning that uses a general idea to make a specific prediction.

Controlled Experiment

An experiment that changes one variable and measures its effect while keeping other factors the same.

Independent Variable

The factor in an experiment that is changed by the experimenter.

Dependent Variable

The factor in an experiment that is measured.

Controls

The factors in an experiment that stay the same.

Random Sample

Subjects chosen randomly from a population, which helps make data more representative.

Sample Size

The number of subjects tested in an experiment.

Statistical Tests

Tests that help determine if experimental results are meaningful.

Repetition

Repeating tests in an experiment to make results more reliable.

Sources of Variability

Differences in people, equipment, environment, and measuring methods that affect measurement data.

Count Data

Data consisting of numbers of things, such as 10 students.

Measurement Data

Data consisting of a value measured with a unit, such as $5.2\,\text{cm}$.

Range

A value determined by subtracting the lowest value from the highest value.

Mean Value

A central value calculated by adding all values and dividing by the total number of values.

Limitations of Mean and Range

The drawback that they only show basic information and may not show the full pattern or variation in data.

Histogram

A tool that shows the distribution and patterns of data, making it easier to see where most values fall.