Biological Literacy and Scientific Thinking

Front

What is a double-blind experimental design?

Back

A double-blind experimental design is when neither the experimental subjects nor the experimenter knows which treatment the subjects are receiving.

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What is a randomized experimental design?

Back

A randomized experimental design is when the experimental subjects are randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups.

Front

What is the difference between a double-blind and a randomized experimental design?

Back

In a double-blind design, neither the subjects nor the experimenter knows the treatment assignment, while in a randomized design, only the subjects do not know.

Front

What is a scientific theory?

Back

A scientific theory is an exceptionally well-supported hypothesis that has a broader scope than a hypothesis and is repeatedly tested.

Front

What is a controlling variable?

Back

A controlling variable is the attempt to minimize any differences between a control group and an experimental group other than the treatment itself.

Front

What is the placebo effect?

Back

The placebo effect is the phenomenon in which people respond favorably to any treatment, highlighting the need for comparison with an appropriate control group.

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What is a null hypothesis?

Back

A null hypothesis is a statement proposing that no relationship exists between two factors.

Front

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

Back

The control group serves as a baseline to compare the effects of the treatment applied to the experimental group.

Front

Why is random assignment important in experiments?

Back

Random assignment helps ensure that any differences observed between groups are due to the treatment rather than pre-existing differences.

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What does it mean for a hypothesis to be testable?

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A testable hypothesis is one that can be supported or refuted through experimentation or observation.