Scientific Method and Experimental Design

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the scientific method, hypotheses, variables in experiments, and the importance of precision and accuracy in scientific experimentation.

Scientific Theory

A well-supported explanation of observations of the natural world, backed by proven hypotheses and rigorous experiments.

Scientific Method

A series of steps used to form a scientific theory from an observation, including observation, questioning, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, analysis, and conclusion.

Hypothesis

A preliminary guess or expectation about what will happen in an experiment, often outlining a relationship between two variables.

Independent Variable

The factor in an experiment that is changed or manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent Variable

The factor in an experiment that is measured or observed to see how it responds to changes in the independent variable.

Control Variables

Aspects of an experiment that are kept constant to ensure a fair test.

Precision

The degree to which repeated measurements under unchanged conditions show the same results.

Accuracy

The degree to which a measurement or calculation corresponds to the correct value or a standard.

Conclusion in Science

A statement that summarizes whether the data supports the hypothesis, clearly linking the independent and dependent variables.