Chapter 1 Nature of Science

observation

• something you find out about objects, events, or living things using your senses

• a method of collecting data through experiments

• a type of scientific theory

• a way to predict future events based on past data

precision

• the ability to consistently repeat a measurement

• the degree to which a measurement approximates the true value

• the range of values within which a measurement falls

• the average of a set of measurements

accuracy

• ability to make a measurement that is as close to the actual value as possible

• the degree to which a measurement is consistent and repeatable

• the difference between the measured value and the true value

• the ability to measure something without any errors

variable

• something that can change in a test

• a fixed value in an experiment

• a type of constant

• a measurement that does not vary

data

• information from which a conclusion can be drawn or a prediction made

• random facts without context

• a collection of unrelated numbers

• a type of software used for analysis

hypothesis

• A statement of what you think will happen during an investigation

• A conclusion drawn from experimental data

• A question posed to guide research

• A method of collecting data

inference

• a conclusion based on observations

• a random guess without evidence

• a statement of fact

• an assumption made without data

procedures

• step-by-step instructions for completing a task

• random guidelines for project management

• general rules for effective communication

• abstract concepts in theoretical frameworks

evidence

• observations that make you believe something is true

• a type of scientific experiment

• a personal opinion or belief

• a random guess about a situation

control group

• a standard against which change is measured

• a group that receives the treatment

• a group that is not affected by the treatment

• a group that is monitored for side effects