Scientific Process

Scientific Process

Framework for understanding and investigating phenomena.

Importance of Science

Guides decisions about health, jobs, and lives.

Scientific Method

Cyclical process for scientific inquiry.

Observation and Question

Noticing phenomena and formulating questions.

Hypothesis

Testable explanation for an observation.

Because Statement

Format linking relationship and explanation.

Prediction

Expected outcome if hypothesis is correct.

Independent Variable

Factor manipulated by the scientist.

Dependent Variable

Measured response to changes in independent variable.

Control Group

Group not receiving treatment for comparison.

Confounding Variables

Uncontrolled factors affecting experimental results.

Sample Size

Number of subjects to ensure robust data.

Pseudo Replication

Apparent replication without true independence.

Analysis and Conclusions

Results interpreted based on evidence.

X-axis

Represents independent variable in graphs.

Y-axis

Represents dependent variable in graphs.

Scientific Theories

Broad explanations supported by extensive evidence.

Conclusion

Result from testing a single hypothesis.

Prove in Science

Science does not prove; it supports hypotheses.

Critical Evaluation

Assessing evidence and biases in scientific claims.

Assessing Sources

Evaluating trustworthiness of scientific information.

Beta-Amyloid Gene

Protein linked to memory loss in Alzheimer's.

Experimental Procedure

Methodology for testing hypotheses in research.

Experimental Groups

Different conditions tested in an experiment.

Confounding Factors

Variables that may skew experimental results.

Memory Loss Hypothesis

Beta-amyloid causes memory loss in Alzheimer's.

Chore Recall Experiment

Mice tested on memory after beta-amyloid injection.

Scientific Theory Definition

Based on multiple experiments, not one conclusion.

Cyclical Nature of Science

Science continually evolves with new discoveries.

Tentative Explanation

Hypothesis is a preliminary explanation.

Statistical Robustness

Data's reliability through adequate sample size.

Evidence-Based Science

Science relies on empirical data and observations.

Scientific Inquiry

Process of exploring questions through experimentation.

Research Validation

Confirming findings through multiple studies.

Scientific Communication

Sharing results for peer evaluation and scrutiny.

Bias in Science

Personal beliefs influencing scientific interpretation.

Experimental Design

Planning how to test hypotheses effectively.

Data Interpretation

Analyzing results to draw conclusions.