FL Science // Nature of Science Vocabulary

control group

• the part of an experiment that contains the same factors as the experimental group, but the independent variable is not changed.

• a group that is exposed to the independent variable in an experiment.

• a group that is not involved in the experiment at all.

• the part of an experiment that is manipulated to test the effects of the independent variable.

observation

• the act of using one or more of your senses to gather information and take note of what occurs.

• the process of analyzing data to draw conclusions.

• the method of conducting experiments in a controlled environment.

• the ability to recall past experiences and events.

inference

• A conclusion based solely on random guessing.

• A logical explanation of an observation that is drawn from prior knowledge or experience.

• A statement that cannot be proven or disproven.

• An assumption made without any evidence.

scientific law

• a rule that describes a pattern in nature.

• a hypothesis that has been tested multiple times.

• an observation that cannot be explained.

• a theory that is widely accepted but not proven.

dependent variable

• the factor measured or observed during an experiment.

• the variable that is manipulated by the researcher.

• the constant factor that remains unchanged throughout the experiment.

• the outcome that is predicted based on the independent variable.

accuracy

• a description of how close a measurement is to an accepted value.

• the degree to which a measurement can be repeated under unchanged conditions.

• the difference between the highest and lowest values in a set of measurements.

• the average of all measurements taken in an experiment.

constants

• the factors in an experiment that remain the same.

• the variables that change during an experiment.

• the results obtained from an experiment.

• the equipment used in an experiment.

scientific theory

• an explanation of observations or events based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations.

• a hypothesis that has not been tested yet.

• a collection of unrelated facts and data.

• a personal belief or opinion about a phenomenon.

credibility

• the confidence that can be placed in the truth of scientific findings.

• the ability to conduct experiments without bias.

• the process of peer review in scientific research.

• the number of citations a paper receives.

independent variable

• the factor that is changed by the investigator to observe how it affects a dependent variable.

• a variable that remains constant throughout the experiment.

• the outcome that is measured in an experiment.

• a variable that is manipulated to test its effect on another variable.