All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Which term describes a statement that can be tested by an experiment?
Answer: Hypothesis. Must be falsifiable and measurable through experimentation.
Flashcard 2: What is a hypothesis?
Answer: A testable prediction or explanation for a phenomenon. Hypotheses must be specific and measurable to allow scientific testing.
Flashcard 3: What does it mean if two hypotheses are mutually exclusive?
Answer: They cannot both be true simultaneously. Only one can be correct when they contradict each other.
Flashcard 4: Which option best describes a distinguishing feature between two hypotheses?
Answer: A variable, mechanism, or condition one includes and the other does not. A factor that separates one hypothesis from another.
Flashcard 5: What is the term for the logical reasoning used to derive conclusions?
Answer: Deductive reasoning. Moves from general principles to specific conclusions.
Flashcard 6: Which option best describes an anomaly in scientific research?
Answer: Data that does not fit expected patterns. Unexpected results that don't match predicted outcomes.
Flashcard 7: What is the role of an experimental group in research?
Answer: To test the effect of the independent variable. Receives the treatment being studied to measure its impact.
Flashcard 8: Which term is used for the variable that is changed in an experiment?
Answer: Independent variable. The factor deliberately altered to observe its effects.
Flashcard 9: Identify the term for a potential explanation that is not yet tested.
Answer: Hypothesis. Requires testing through experimentation to become validated.
Flashcard 10: What is the role of repeatability in scientific experiments?
Answer: To ensure reliability and validity of results. Repeated trials confirm results aren't due to chance or error.
Flashcard 11: What is the term for a conclusion drawn from data and observations?
Answer: Inference. Logical deduction based on available evidence and data.
Flashcard 12: Identify the purpose of using a hypothesis in scientific research.
Answer: To provide a basis for experimentation. Guides experimental design and data collection methods.
Flashcard 13: What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?
Answer: Qualitative is descriptive; quantitative is numerical. Qualitative uses words; quantitative uses numbers and measurements.
Flashcard 14: Which option best describes scientific skepticism?
Answer: Questioning the validity of a claim without evidence. Requires evidence before accepting claims as scientifically valid.
Flashcard 15: Identify the variable manipulated by the researcher in an experiment.
Answer: Independent variable. The cause that researchers change to study its effects.
Flashcard 16: Which option explains the importance of peer review in science?
Answer: Ensures accuracy and credibility of research. Other experts evaluate methods and conclusions before publication.
Flashcard 17: Identify the term for the consistency of a measurement in repeated tests.
Answer: Reliability. Consistent results indicate the measurement tool is dependable.
Flashcard 18: Which term describes a systematic error affecting measurements?
Answer: Bias. Systematic errors that skew results in one direction.
Flashcard 19: Identify the method used to test the reliability of a hypothesis.
Answer: Replication of experiments. Independent repetition confirms the original findings are valid.
Flashcard 20: Identify the purpose of a control group in an experiment.
Answer: To provide a baseline for comparison. Controls remain unchanged to isolate the effect of the experimental variable.
Flashcard 21: Which term describes a statement that can be tested by an experiment?
Answer: Hypothesis. Must be falsifiable and measurable through experimentation.
Flashcard 22: What is the primary goal of comparing different scientific viewpoints?
Answer: To evaluate the validity of each viewpoint. Comparing helps identify which explanations are supported by evidence.
Flashcard 23: Which factor is measured in an experiment to assess the effect of changes?
Answer: Dependent variable. This variable responds to changes in the independent variable.
Flashcard 24: What does it mean if two hypotheses are mutually exclusive?
Answer: They cannot both be true simultaneously. Only one can be correct when they contradict each other.
Flashcard 25: Identify the term for a detailed explanation based on many observations.
Answer: Scientific theory. Theories are supported by extensive evidence and multiple studies.
Flashcard 26: Which hypothesis is tested by looking for evidence that contradicts it?
Answer: Null hypothesis. Scientists try to disprove it to support the alternative hypothesis.
Flashcard 27: What does it mean to falsify a hypothesis?
Answer: To demonstrate that a hypothesis is incorrect. Falsification provides evidence against a proposed explanation.
Flashcard 28: What is the primary difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
Answer: A hypothesis is a testable prediction; a theory is well-substantiated. Theories have extensive support while hypotheses are initial predictions.
Flashcard 29: Which term describes an educated guess based on observation?
Answer: Hypothesis. Based on prior knowledge and designed to be testable.
Flashcard 30: Identify the term for a hypothesis that predicts no effect or relationship.
Answer: Null hypothesis. Assumes no change or difference will occur in the experiment.