Science

knowledge about the natural world

scientific method

set of defined steps that includes experiments and observation.

Scientific theories

are widely accepted and tested explanations for particular phenomena.

Scientific laws,

are often mathematical formulae, describe how certain elements of nature will behave in specific conditions

• Inductive reasoning

is common in descriptive sciences and involves the use of observations to infer conclusions about something. Put another way, patterns emerge from lots of observations.

Pseudoscience

individuals make scientific- sounding claims that are not supported by trustworthy, methodical scientific studies. (Either not testable or a deliberate lie)

Anecdotal observations:

based on only one or a few observations, people conclude that there is or is not a link between two things.

Deductive reasoning

s used in hypothesis-based scientific inquiry and is the opposite of inductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning uses a general principle or law to predict a specific resul

hypothesis

A tentative, testable prediction or educated guess about how two or more variables are related, serving as the starting point for scientific experiments and research.

Testable prediction

A specific, measurable statement about what will happen in an experiment if a hypothesis is true.

Independent variable

the factor that is changed in an experiment

Dependent variable

the outcome that is measured in an experiment

Control or control group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the specific treatment being tested

Placebo:

an inactive substance or treatment designed to look like a real medical treatment, but which has no physical or chemical effect on the body

Critical experiment:

An experiment designed so its outcome can actually decide between two competing explanations, not just add another example