ACT Science Research Summary Vocab – Flashcards
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Analytical Balance
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Equipment which digitally measures the mass of an object.
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Control Group
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This is an experimental group, used as a baseline comparison, that receives all the control variables, but does not receive the independent variable treatment.
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Analysis
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This is a process of interpreting experimental results.
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Control Variable
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This is a condition which remains constant, or unchanged, in an experiment.
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Accuracy
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How well the results of an experiment agree with the accepted value.
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Data Collection
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This is the act of writing down the required information you get from a laboratory experiment.
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Data Set
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This is a compilation of information, usually quantitative, that represents measures of a variable or set of variables.
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Data Table
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This is the correct method of recording numerical information from an experiment.
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Dependent Variable
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This is the observed variable in an experiment or study whose changes are determined by the presence or degree of one or more independent variables. When graphed, this variable is usually on the vertical axis.
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Experiment
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Scientific procedure followed to obtain results for analysis. This is also a means to test a hypothesis.
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Experimental Variable
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This is the condition which is changed within experiment.
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Hypothesis
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This is a prediction of the outcome of scientific processes based on analysis.
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Independent Variable
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This is the manipulated variable in an experiment or study whose presence or degree determines the change in the dependent variable. When graphed this is graphed usually on the horizontal axis.
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Measurement Error
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The difference between the accepted value and the experimental value.
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Meter Stick
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Equipment used to measure SI (metric) lengths.
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Precision
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This is the ability of a measurement to be reproduced consistently.
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Prediction
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This is a statement that a particular event will occur, based on reasonable observations of prior events.
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Qualitative Data
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This is information from an experiment, such as observations or behaviors, that cannot be recorded with a numerical value.
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Quantitative Data
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This is information from an experiment that can be assigned a number or a quantity and can often be used to construct a graph.
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Reliable
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When referring to experimentation, this is the consistency of a set of measurements or measuring instrument. It is the inverse of random error.
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Research
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This is what people do when they are searching for information. People often look in more than one location.
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Research Question
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This is one of the first steps in scientific research. It usually starts with: How, What, When, Who, Which, Why, or Where
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Scientific Method
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A process used to gather evidence and lead to understanding
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Stopwatch
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This is a timing device used to measure the length of time for short events
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Trial
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This is a repetition of an experiment. Scientists use multiples of these to ensure the reliability of their results.
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Trial Run
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This is a test or rehearsal of something new in order to evaluate the product.
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Unit Of Measure
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This is a standard of measure for a physical quantity and is included as part of the X and Y axes labels on a line graph.
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Validity
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This is the degree at which a test measures what it is intended to measure.
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Variable
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This is the factor which is tested in an experiment.
