AP Biology Scientific Method and Statistics

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on the scientific method and statistics in biology, including definitions, examples, and important distinctions.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and logical reasoning.

Inquiry

The process of posing questions and seeking answers through systematic investigation, beginning with careful observations.

Observation

Qualitative observations describe characteristics, while quantitative observations involve numerical measurements.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation.

Null Hypothesis (H0)

States that there is no significant relationship between the variables being studied.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1)

Proposes that there is a significant relationship between the variables.

Independent Variable

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

Dependent Variable

The factor that is measured or observed to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Control Group

A group that is not exposed to the treatment and helps identify external factors influencing the outcome.

Constants

Factors that must be kept the same throughout the experiment for all groups.

Statistics

A branch of mathematics that helps interpret and analyze data.

Normal Distribution

A bell-shaped curve where most data points are centered around the mean.

Mean

The average of a data set, calculated by dividing the sum of all values by the number of values.

Median

The middle value of a data set when ordered from least to greatest.

Mode

The value that appears most frequently in a data set.

Range

The difference between the highest and lowest values in a data set, indicating variability.

Standard Deviation (SD)

A measure of how much data points differ from the mean; a higher SD indicates more spread out data.