What is Science?

inferring

explaining or interpreting the things you observe, making an inference

variables

factors that can change in an experiment

data

facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through qualitative and quantitative observations

making models

involves creating representations of complex objects or processes

objective

making decisions and drawing conclusions based on available evidence

ethics

rules that enable people to know right from wrong

inductive reasoning

specific observations to make generalizations

scientific law

statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions

dependent variable

the factor that may change in response to the independent variable

evaluating

Comparing observations and data to reach a conclusion about them

science

A way of learning about the natural world

skepticism

An attitude of doubt

controlled experiment

An experiment in which only one variable is manipulated at a time.

quantitative observation

An observation that deals with a number or amount

qualitative observation

An observation that deals with characteristics that cannot be expressed in numbers.

classifying

The process of grouping together items that are alike in some way.

scientific investigation

The way in which scientist study the natural world. First, you ask a question. Then you figure out a way to find the answer.

experimental bias

a mistake in the design of an experiment that makes a particular result more likely

personal bias

a persons likes or dislikes that influence how he or she thinks about something

hypothesis

a possible answer to a scientific question

prediction

a statement or a claim about what will happen in the future based on past experiences or evidence

deductive reasoning

a way to explain things by starting with a general idea and then applying the idea to a specific observation

scientific theory

a well-tested and widely accepted explination of observations and experimental results

subjective

personal feelings that affect how you make a decision or reach a conclusion

scientific inquiry

refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence they gather

observing

using one or more of your senses to gather information

independent variable

variable purposely changed to test a hypothesis

cultural bias

when the culture in which a person grows up affects the way that person thinks