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
