ENVS 101 - Module 1.2 VOCAB

The process of science

Science

a body of knowledge (facts and explanations) about the natural world and the process used to get that knowledge

Empirical observations

information detected with the senses—or with equipment that extends our senses

Scientific method

the procedure scientists use to empirically test a hypothesis

Inferences

conclusions drawn based on observations

Hypothesis

a possible explanation for what we have observed that is based on some previous knowledge

Peer review

a process whereby researchers’ work is evaluated by outside experts to determine whether it is of a high enough quality to publish

Theory

a widely accepted explanation of a natural phenomenon that has been extensively and rigorously tested scientifically

Observational study

research that gathers data in a real-world setting without intentionally manipulating any variable

Experimental study

research that manipulates a variable in a test group and compares the response to that of a control group that was not exposed to the same variable

Independent variable

the variable in an experiment that a researcher manipulates or changes to see if the change produces an effect

Dependent variable

the variable in an experiment that is evaluated to see if it changes due to the conditions of the experiment

Test group

the group in an experimental study that is manipulated such that it differs from the control group in only one way

Control group

the group in an experimental study to which the test group’s results are compared; ideally, the control group will differ from the test group in only one way

Statistics

the mathematical evaluation of experimental data to determine how likely any difference observed is due to the variable being tested

Correlation

two things occurring together but not necessarily having a cause-and-effect relationship

Cause-and-effect relationship

an association between two variables that identifies one (the effect) occurring as a result of or in response to the other (the cause)

Policy

a formalized plan that addresses a desired outcome or goal

Precautionary principle

acting in a way that leaves a safety margin when the data are uncertain or severe consequences are possible

Primary source

information source that presents original data or firsthand information

Secondary source

information source that presents and interprets information solely from primary sources

Tertiary source

information source that uses information from at least one secondary source

Information literacy

the ability to find and evaluate the quality of information

Media literacy

the ability to evaluate digital sources of information

Logical fallacies

arguments that attempt to sway the reader without using reasonable evidence

Critical thinking

skills that enable individuals to logically assess information, reflect on that information, and reach their own conclusions