Scientific Theory

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Independent Variable

(in an experiment) a variable that is intentionally changed to observe its effect on the dependent variable

Dependent Variable

(in an experiment) the event studied and expected to change when the independent variable is changed (this is what is measured in an experiment)

Results

a consequence, effect, or outcome of something

Scientific Method

a method of research in which a problem is identified, relevant data are gathered, a hypothesis is formulated from these data, and the hypothesis is empirically tested

Scientific Law

a phenomenon of nature that has been proven to invariably occur whenever certain conditions exist or are met

Investigation

a searching inquiry for ascertaining facts; detailed or careful examination

Critical Thinking

a self-guided, self-disciplined thinking which attempts to reason at the highest level of quality in a fair-minded way

Hypothesis

a specific prediction based on evidence that is testable (and includes independent and dependent variables)

Experiment

a test, trial, or tentative procedure; for the purpose of discovering something unknown or of testing a principle, supposition, etc.:under controlled conditions

Opinion

a thought, belief, or judgment that can vary from person to person

Variable

any factor that can change in a scientific investigation

Physical Science

any of the natural sciences dealing with inanimate matter or with energy, as physics, chemistry, and astronomy

Earth Science

any of various sciences, as geography, geology, or meteorology, that deal with the earth, its composition, or any of its changing aspects

Life Science

any science that deals with living organisms, their life processes, and their interrelationships, as biology, medicine, or ecology

Survey

ask many people questions in order to collect information about what most people do/think about something

Scientific Theory

explanation supported by a large amount of evidence; best explanation based upon what we know

Empirical Evidence

information acquired by observation or experimentation that must be observable and measurable

Observation

information gained by using the senses (sight, hearing, smell, tough & taste)

Data

information gathered by observation; gathered by using senses or detecting through instruments

Fieldwork

observations outside of the laboratory where conditions are not controlled

Scientific Inquiry

refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work

Models

representation of an object or system

Evidence

results collected when a theory or hypothesis is tested. Scientific evidence serves to either support or counter a scientific theory or hypothesis.

Fact

something that actually exists; reality; truth

Inferences

the act or process of reaching a conclusion or an understanding about something from known facts or evidence (an interpretation)


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