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Scientific Terminology

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17 views26 pages

Scientific Terminology

Uploaded by

leratomsimanga04
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Scientific

Scientific Method
Method
Observed phenomenon /
Problem
Issue
Issue

A matter that is in dispute.


Investigation
Investigation

The observation / study of an


observable natural phenomenon
by close examination and
systematic inquiry.
Phenomenon
Phenomenon

An observable natural event from


which a testable scientific
question arises.
Experiment
Experiment // Test
Test

A scientific procedure undertaken


to

1. make a discovery,
2. demonstrate a known fact
3. or test a hypothesis.
Fact
Fact

That which is accepted as true


provisionally by scientists.
Hypothesis
Hypothesis

An educated guess based on


observation about the relationship
between two or more variables.
Variable
Variable

The factor being tested /


manipulated / measured in an
experiment.
Factor
Factor

Anything that may contribute to /


has an effect on a result.
Effect
Effect vs.
vs. Affect
Affect

Be careful how you use effect and


affect.
Effect is usually a noun and affect, a
verb.
“ The effect of sugar amounts on the
rising of bread.”
“How does sugar affect the rising of
bread?”
Independent
Independent Variable
Variable

The independent, or manipulated


variable, is a factor that’s
intentionally varied by the
experimenter.
Dependent
Dependent Variable
Variable

The dependent, or responding


variable, is the factor that may
change as a result of changes
made in the independent
variable.
Control
Control Variable/Group
Variable/Group

The control variable, is the factor


that is not changed.

(A control group thus serves as


standard of comparison.)
Fair
Fair Test
Test

A Test / Experiment where only a


single factor / independent
variable is changed.
Prediction
Prediction

The expected results / data of a


test / experiment.
Data
Data

The raw measurements (quantitative) and


observations (qualitative) taken from an
experiment and used to compile results for
evaluation / analysis.
Results
Results

The raw measurements (quantitative) and


observations (qualitative) taken from an
experiment presented in a way (e.g. graph)
which allows for analysis / interpretation.
Analysis
Analysis // Evaluation
Evaluation

The determination of the


significance / worth of results /
data.
Inference
Inference

Forming an opinion based on


known facts / evidence which was
not directly observed.
Conclusion
Conclusion

A simple statement (yes or no)


that indicates whether the
hypothesis was proven or not.
Theory
Theory

A synthesis of a large body of


information that encompasses
well tested and verified
hypotheses about aspects of the
natural world.
Theory
Theory

In other words: It summarizes a


hypothesis or group of
hypotheses that have been
supported by repeated testing.
Law
Law

A synthesis of fundamental
concepts and equations to define
the rules governing a set of
phenomena.
Law
Law

In other words: They are similar


to mathematical postulates. They
don't need any complex external
proofs; they are accepted at face
value based upon the fact that
they have always been observed
as true.
Theory
Theory vs
vs Law
Law

While scientific theories and laws


are both based on hypotheses, a
scientific theory is an explanation
of the observed phenomenon,
while a scientific law is a
description of an observed
phenomenon.
Theories
Theories Laws
Laws
Theory of Special Relativity: Newton’s Laws of Motion:
The speed of light in a vacuum is constant Describes the relationship between the
regardless of the motion of the observer or the forces acting on a body and its motion due to
motion of the light source. Explains the those forces.
relationship between mass and energy.

Atomic Theory: Ideal Gas Law: PV=nRT


All matter is composed of elements made up Describes the relationship between
of atoms. Explains why matter is conserved pressure, volume, moles, and temperature of
in chemical reactions. a gas.

Electromagnetic Field Theory: Ohm’s Law: V = IR


A change in an electric field produces a Describes the relationship between the
perpendicular magnetic field. A change in a voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R).
electric field produces a perpendicular electric
field. Explains the way in which charges and
currents interact.

Theory of Plate Tectonics: Earth’s crust is Law of Superposition:


divided into plates that move. Explains why Describes the general principle that in
earthquakes and volcanoes occur in certain undeformed layers of rock, the oldest rock
zones. will be at the bottom.

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