Introduction to Environmental Science: The Scientific Method

Vocabulary and key concepts regarding the scientific method and its application in environmental science, as presented by DePauw University.

Scientific Method

The principle that the natural world behaves in a predictable manner that can be understood through careful, systematic study.

Controlled Experiments

A scientific test in which ALL conditions are kept constant EXCEPT for one variable.

Observations

The recognition of a phenomenon, event, or problem, such as the sudden fish kill in the Neuse River, NC.

Hypothesis

A testable explanation for a phenomenon; more than one may be formed, and they are either validated or invalidated through experimentation.

Independent Variable

The "manipulated variable" or the specific factor that is being tested in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The "responding variable" or the specific factor that is being measured in an experiment.

Experimentation

The process of data collection used to validate or invalidate a hypothesis while considering environmental or external factors.

Scientific Theory

A level of scientific explanation characterized by more certainty than a hypothesis, achieved as the abundance of evidence increases.

Evaluation

The phase of the scientific method used to ensure all possibilities are tested, no biases were introduced, what was learned is identified, and results are reproducible.

Eutrophication

The likely cause of fish kills in the Neuse River, NC, generated by agricultural runoff according to the lecture's evaluative conclusions.

Neuse River, NC

The specific location used as an example for observing a sudden fish kill and applying the scientific method.