Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
39 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
|
Science |
Desire to know |
|
|
Natural world |
Phenomena that are potentially observable and measurable |
|
|
Biology |
The study of life |
|
|
Hypothesis |
Explains a set of observations; must be potentially testable and potentially falsifiable |
|
|
Anecdotal data |
Evidence that confirms our beliefs; often unreliable |
|
|
Correlation |
Shows a relationship between 2+ variables; found by observation |
|
|
Causation |
When one factor's change leads to another's; found by experimentation |
|
|
Experimental group |
In an experiment, the group that receives the variable being tested (independent variable) |
|
|
Control group |
In an experiment, the group that does not receive the variable being tested and can therefore be used as a baseline for studying the results of the experimental group |
|
|
Null hypothesis (Ho) |
Assumes that any variation among the results of an experiment are due to chance |
|
|
Alternative hypothesis (Ha) |
Assumes that there is a causation all relationship between variables in an experiment; can only be accepted once the null hypothesis is rejected |
|
|
Empirical data |
Measurable and observable results |
|
|
Descriptive statistics |
Describe data; includes average, standard deviation, and mean |
|
|
Mean |
Average; measure of central tendency |
|
|
Standard deviation |
Indicates extent of deviation for a group |
|
|
Median |
Middle value of data |
|
|
Significant difference |
Indicates that variation among data is most likely caused by one factor's change; rejects the null hypothesis |
|
|
Alpha value |
When a=0.05, we are 95% certain that difference between 2 groups' data is due to the independent variable |
|
|
Fact |
Something that actually exists or happens; verified by repeated observations and experiments |
|
|
Scientific law |
Describes and predicts an outcome under certain circumstances and does not propose a mechanism of the phenomena; cannot be refuted |
|
|
Laws of thermodynamics |
Explain energy transformations |
|
|
First law of thermodynamics |
Energy is neither created nor destroyed, only transformed |
|
|
Second law of thermodynamics |
Every time energy is transferred or transformed, entropy increases |
|
|
Entropy |
Measure of disprder |
|
|
Utilitarianism |
Natural laws/processes of physics and chemistry are the same everywhere and in the past, present, and future |
|
|
Theory |
Broad, powerful explanation for a set of observations/scientific laws that has been well supported by many repeated observations and tests |
|
|
Critical thinking |
Ability to evaluate facts/observations/experimental results to make an informed decision about the world, even if it challenges our preconceived notions |
|
|
Intelligent design (ID) |
Theory that life/the universe cannot have arisen by chance and was designed/created by some intelligent entity |
|
|
Irreducible complexity |
A single system composed of several interacting parts; the removal of any one part causes the system to cease functioning |
|
|
Pseudoscience |
False science |
|
|
Iterative process |
Build upon itself |
|
|
Spontaneous generation (abiogenesis) |
Part of Aristotle's hypothesis that life is created spontaneously when something called the 'vital principle' is activated in an organism |
|
|
Objective terminology |
Terms that can be objectively measured (ie: data, statistics, etc.) |
|
|
Independent variable |
Things being manipulated/given to the experimental group in an experiment |
|
|
Dependent variable |
The outcome/results being measured in an experiment |
|
|
Aristotle |
Considered to be the first biologist; created the Scala Naturae; hypothesized spontaneous generation |
|
|
Scala Naturae |
Hierarchy of organisms created by Aristotle; put 'Man' at the top |
|
|
Logical fallacy |
Flaw in reasoning; i.e.: anecdotal data |
|
|
Scientific method |
Process used by scientists to explain the natural world; observation > hypothesis > experimentation > data collection > statistical analysis > conclusion |
