Environmental Science: Chapter 1.2: The Nature of Science

a testable idea that attempt to explain a phenomenon or answer a scientific question.

hypothesis

a specific statement about what will happen if a hypothesis is true.

prediction

Briefly define correlation

A meaningful and predictable relationship among variables.

Which of the following plays an especially important role in the early stages of an investigation? A. making observations B. gathering data C. interpreting data D. making predictions

A.

What is controlled in a controlled study?

All variables expect the one being studied.

Why are quantitative data particularly helpful to scientists?

Because numbers are precise and easy to compare.

How do scientists examine the workings of the natural world?

By collecting evidence.

Which of the following is NOT involved in testing ideas? A. making predictions B. making observations C. making policy decisions D. conducting experiments

C.

What must scientists do if a large number of test refute their hypothesis? A. repeat each test B. publish a report C. reject the test results D. reject the hypothesis

D.

Which of the following statements best describers the process of science? A. It is mysterious B. It is predictable C. It proceeds in a linear fashion. D. It produces knowledge over time.

D.

What does the natural world include?

Every part of our physical environment and the forces and energies that operate on and within our environment.

What is the relationship between hypothesis and predictions?

Hypotheses generate predictions.

What activities make up the process of science?

Making observations, hypothesis, experiment, organize & analyze data, and conclusion.

What are two components of science?

Science is both a systematic process for learning about the natural world and a summary of what scientists already have learned.

Why is it important to control all variables except one when studying cause-and-effect relationships?

To be more confident that any differences observed were caused by the factor being investigated.

What is the goal of science?

To discover how the rules of the natural world operate and what effect they have.

What do scientists use models for?

To generate predictions when they can't observe a phenomenon directly.

a study in which all variables are controlled except for the one variable being investigated.

controlled study

information gathered from a study

data

a variable that depends on the conditions set up in an experiment

dependent variable

the variable a scientists manipulates in an experiment

independent variable