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 Ha): 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.

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