Nature of Science study guide – Flashcards
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observation
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use of one or more of the senses—sight, hearing, touch, smell, and sometimes taste—to gather information
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prediction
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a statement made in advance that expresses the results that will be obtained from testing a hypothesis if the hypothesis is supported; the expected outcome if a hypothesis is accurate
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hypothesis
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a testable prediction, often implied by a theory
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inductive reasoning
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reasoning that uses a number of specific examples to arrive at a plausible generalization or prediction
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deductive reasoning
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reasoning in which a conclusion is reached by stating a general principle and then applying that principle to a specific case
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experiment
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the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
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independent variable
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(statistics) a variable whose values are independent of changes in the values of other variables (time)
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dependent variable
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variable that changes as a result of a change in the independent variable (growth occurred after time)
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positive control
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is a procedure that is very similar to the actual experimental test, but which is known from previous experience to give a positive result.
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negative control
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The negative control is an experiment done with a sample that should normally yield a negative result.
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qualitative data
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data you collect usuing your senses
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Conclusion
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a summary of the results of the experiment and a statement of how the results relate to the hypothesis
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quantitative data
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Data associated with mathematical models and statistical techniques used to analyze spatial location and association.
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theory
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a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world
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law
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statement about how things work in nature that seems to be true consistently
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Francesco Redi
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This scientist disproved spontaneous generation by showing that maggots do not spontaneously arise from decaying meat.
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John Needham
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an English scientist who claimed that spontaneous generation could occur
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Lazzaro Spallanzani
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Italian physiologist who disproved the theory of spontaneous generation (1729-1799)
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Louis Pasteur
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A French chemist, this man discovered that heat could kill bacteria that otherwise spoiled liquids including milk, wine, and beer
