Investigating Science – HSC



Scientific terminologyConfusing scientific vocabularyMany words and phrases that are commonly used in everyday language may have very specific meanings (or sometime contrary meanings) in science. It is important that science teachers and students understanding these differences, so that those words and phrases are used correctly and with the right intention. This ensures that scientific communication is always clear and unambiguous.Terms used in scientific and everyday communications. Note that the list of terms is not exhaustive.TermMeaning in scientific usagePossible meaning(s) in non-scientific usageAnomalyIn science, an observation that differs from the expectations generated by an established scientific idea. Anomalous observations may inspire scientists to reconsider, modify, or come up with alternatives to an accepted theory or hypothesisAbnormalAerosolSmall droplets or particles suspended in the atmosphereSpray canAssumptionIn science, an auxiliary (secondary) hypothesis that is taken to be true for the purposes of interpreting a particular test. All tests involve making assumptions.Something that is accepted to be true without proofBeliefA scientific idea that is the most accurate explanation, based on a critical evaluation of available evidence.Faith in an ideaBiasA systematic distortion of a statistical result.Inclination or prejudiceChemicalSubstanceToxin or poisonControlA variable that is kept constant in a science experiment so that the impact of another factor can be better understood.In scientific testing, a group that is matched to an experimental group, but which is not exposed to the experimental treatment that the experimental group is. For example, to test the efficacy of a new drug, the drug is given to one group of people (the treatment group), while the other group (control group) is given a placebo.Controls are important in fair tests.To order, limit or rule people or eventsEnhanceIncreaseImproveErrorUsed in the statistical analyses of dataThe difference between the predicted/measured value and its true valueA mistakeFactFacts are statements that are known to be true through direct observations or measurements.A highly valued form of knowledge (can be confident about them)FalsifiableAn idea that is testable, generating evidence that a particular claim or scientific idea is false.Ideas that have been shown to be untrueHypothesisBased on prior experience, scientific background knowledge, preliminary observations, and logic. Supported by many different lines of evidence — (not "guesses“) Have explanatory power — they are explanations for phenomena. Are testable because it generates expectations about what we should observe in different situations.An educated guessLawA generalization about data A way of predicting outcomes in a particular situations (e.g. Mendel’s Laws; Newton’s Laws of motion).Relationship between variables (e.g. F = m x a; V = I x R)A rule that must be abided.ManipulationProcessing (e.g. of data for analysis)Fudging, To control persons or situations in order to misleadNaiveNot exposed to the condition that is being investigatedToo willing to believe in something or someone (inexperienced)ObservationMade directly with our own senses or indirectly through the use of tools like thermometers, pH test kits, Geiger counters, etc.Something that we've seen with our own eyesPredictionWhat may be expected to happen to a system if some related idea was true. Related to past events. Substitute with expect/expectation.GuessPositive FeedbackThe amplification of an effect by its own influence (Self-reinforcing). E.g. a bacterial infection that is untreated results in uncontrolled fever. PraiseReactionE.g. Chemical reaction: where 2 or more substances interact with and change each other.Action in response to somethingSchemeSystematic plan for an investigationA devious plotSignPlus or minus signAn indicationTo write your nameSignificantNot due to chance (statistically valid)ImportantTheoryBroad explanations for a wide range of phenomena.Strongly supported by many different lines of evidenceMay be modified or overturned if warranted by new evidence and perspectiveA hunch with little evidential supportUncertaintyRelated to measurementsThe range of values within which the true value is likely to fall.State of being unsure of somethingValuesNumbers, dataEthicsWorth ................
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