The Process of Science

Science

Knowledge about the natural world.

Scientific Method

A method of research with defined steps that include experiments and careful observation.

Hypothesis

A suggested, testable explanation for an event.

Scientific Theory

A generally accepted, thoroughly tested, and confirmed explanation for a set of observations or phenomena.

Scientific Law

A concise description, often expressed in mathematical formulas, of how elements of nature will behave under certain specific conditions.

Natural Sciences

Fields of science related to the physical world and its phenomena and processes.

Life Sciences vs. Physical Sciences

Life sciences study living things (like biology), while physical sciences study nonliving matter (like astronomy, physics, and chemistry).

Inductive Reasoning

A "bottom-up" form of logical thinking that uses related, specific observations to arrive at a general conclusion.

Deductive Reasoning

A "top-down" form of logical thinking that uses a general principle or law to predict specific results.

Descriptive (Discovery) Science

A form of scientific study that aims to observe, explore, and discover.

Hypothesis-Based Science

A form of scientific study that begins with a specific question or problem and a potential testable answer.

Sir Francis Bacon

The historical figure credited with being the first to document the scientific method.

Prediction

A statement similar to a hypothesis but typically formatted as "If . . . then . . ."

Falsifiable

The requirement that a hypothesis can be disproven by experimental results.

Variable

Any part of an experiment that can vary or change during the experiment.

Control

A part of an experiment that does not change, serving as a baseline for comparison.

Basic ("Pure") Science

Science that seeks to expand knowledge for knowledge's sake, regardless of short-term applications.

Applied Science (Technology)

Science that aims to use scientific knowledge to solve specific, real-world problems.

Serendipity

Discoveries made by means of a fortunate accident or a lucky surprise (e.g., the discovery of penicillin).

Peer-Reviewed Articles

Scientific papers reviewed anonymously by qualified colleagues to ensure the research is original, significant, logical, and thorough before publication.