Scientific Research Methods Flashcards
Grade 12 · Science · Flashcards
Key vocabulary for experimental design, statistics, and the philosophy of science.
Flashcards
- Empirical evidence
- Evidence obtained through direct or indirect observation and measurement rather than from logic or authority alone.
- Inductive reasoning
- Reasoning from specific observations to broad generalizations; the basis of hypothesis formation from data patterns.
- Deductive reasoning
- Reasoning from general principles to specific predictions; used to derive testable hypotheses from existing theories.
- Random sampling
- A method of selecting study participants in which every member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen, reducing bias.
- Validity
- The degree to which a test or experiment accurately measures what it claims to measure.
- Reliability
- The consistency of a measurement or experimental result when repeated under the same conditions.
- Type II error
- A false negative: failing to reject the null hypothesis when it is actually false; the probability is denoted beta (β).
- Longitudinal study
- A research design that observes the same subjects repeatedly over an extended period to track changes over time.
- Cross-sectional study
- A study that collects data from a population at a single point in time; provides a snapshot but cannot establish causation.
- Blinding
- A technique to prevent bias by keeping participants, researchers, or both unaware of which treatment each subject receives.
- Scientific consensus
- The collective judgment of the scientific community reached through many studies, peer review, and replication; reflects current best knowledge.
- Reproducibility
- The ability of independent researchers to obtain the same results using the same methods on new data; distinct from replication.
- Ethical review board (IRB)
- An institutional committee that reviews research protocols to ensure the safety, rights, and welfare of human subjects are protected.
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