Chapter 1-5: Introduction to Science and Double-Blind Experiments

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on science, the scientific method, and double-blind experiments.

Science

A rational, testable, repeatable approach to understanding the natural world and reaching reliable conclusions, often sharing methods through publication for replication.

Scientific method

A systematic process used to investigate phenomena, including observing, forming hypotheses, testing them, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

Hypothesis

A testable educated guess about how variables relate, used to generate testable predictions.

Prediction

A anticipated outcome or forecast based on a hypothesis that can be tested experimentally.

Independent variable

The variable deliberately changed by the experimenter to observe its effect (e.g., the dose of a vaccine).

Dependent variable

The variable measured to assess the effect of the independent variable (e.g., illness frequency or severity).

Control group

A baseline group that does not receive the experimental treatment or receives standard conditions for comparison.

Placebo

An inert treatment given to control participants to blind them to whether they receive the active intervention.

Randomization

Assigning participants to groups by chance to reduce systematic differences and bias.

Double-blind experiment

A study design in which neither the participants nor the researchers collecting data know who receives the active treatment or placebo, often with a third party handling the treatment and data collection.

Bias

A systematic error or preference that can skew results if not controlled.

Confounding variable

An extraneous factor that affects both independent and dependent variables, making it difficult to determine cause and effect.

Replication

Repeating experiments to see if results are consistent, supporting reliability and reproducibility.

Incidence

The number or frequency of new cases of a disease in a population over a period of time.

Dose

The amount of a treatment administered; higher or lower doses can change outcomes.

Rotavirus

A virus that causes gastroenteritis, often discussed as an example of disease in infants.

Third-party data collector

An independent party who collects data to reduce investigator bias and ensure objective measurement.

Publication

Sharing methods and results so other scientists can evaluate, replicate, or build upon the work.

Theory

A well-supported, widely accepted explanation of natural phenomena, based on extensive evidence and testing.