Chem Lab terms

Scientific Method: a systematic and logical approach used by scientists to investigate natural phenomena, acquire new knowledge, or refine existing knowledge.

Hypothesis: a testable statement or educated guess that predicts the outcome of an experiment or the relationship between variables.

Variable: any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types and can be measured or observed in an experiment.

Independent Variable: the variable that is intentionally manipulated by the researcher in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable: the variable that is observed and measured in response to the changes in the independent variable; it represents the outcome of the experiment.

Control Group: a group in an experiment that is not subjected to the experimental treatment and is used as a baseline for comparison with the experimental group.

Experimental Group: the group in an experiment that is exposed to the treatment or variable being tested to observe the effect.

Null Hypothesis (H₀): a hypothesis stating that there is no significant difference or effect; it is often used for statistical testing.

Alternative Hypothesis (H₁ or H_a): a hypothesis that contradicts the null hypothesis, suggesting that there is a significant difference or effect.

Controlled Experiment: an experiment in which all variables are kept constant except for the independent variable being tested.

Replication: the process of repeating an experiment to verify the results and ensure the reliability of the findings.

Observation: the act of gathering information through the use of the senses or instruments; it is often the starting point of the scientific method.

Data: facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations and experiments that can be used to support a hypothesis or draw conclusions.

Conclusion: a summary of the results of an experiment, including a discussion of whether the data supports or refutes the hypothesis.

Peer Review: the evaluation of scientific work by other experts in the field before it is published, ensuring the quality and validity of the research.

Theory: a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on empirical evidence and has stood up to repeated testing and scrutiny.

Bias: systematic error introduced into sampling, testing, or reporting, leading to a distortion of results.

Ethics in Research: the principles and standards that guide researchers to conduct their work responsibly, ensuring the well-being of subjects and the integrity of the scientific process.

Scientific Law: a scientific law is a statement that describes a consistent and universal relationship observed in nature. Unlike a theory, which explains why or how something happens, a scientific law simply describes what happens. Scientific laws are well-established and have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.