Practice of Science Vocab & Examples

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Hypothesis

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A proposed explanation for an observation or phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation.

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Repetition

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Repeating an experiment multiple times by the same scientist to increase the reliability of the results.

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Replication

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When other scientists repeat an experiment to verify the results and ensure accuracy.

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Scientific Law

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A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes a natural phenomenon, often mathematically.

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Scientific Theory

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A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can incorporate facts, laws, inferences, and tested hypotheses.

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Inference

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A logical conclusion drawn from observations or evidence.

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Observation

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Information gathered using the senses or scientific tools.

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Empirical Evidence

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Data obtained through direct observation or experimentation.

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Independent Variable

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The factor that is changed or manipulated during an experiment.

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Dependent Variable

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The factor measured as it responds to changes in the independent variable.