bias

bias a particular tendency, trend, inclination, feeling, or opinion, especially one that is preconceived or unreasoned. our strong bias in favor of the idea.

explanation

explanation a statement or account made to clarify something and make it understandable; makes something clear.

dependent variable

dependent variable (in an experiment) the event studied and  expected to change when the  independent variable is changed. what you measure in the experiment and what is affected during the experiment. It is called dependent because it "depends" on the independent variable. In a scientific experiment, you cannot have a dependent variable without an independent variable.

independent variable

independent variable (in an experiment) a variable that is intentionally changed to observe its  effect on the dependent variable. is defines as the variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment. Independent variables are the variables that the experimenter changes to test their dependent variable. A change in the independent variable directly causes a change in the dependent variable.

objective

objective (of a person or their judgment) not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.

Scientific method

Scientific method a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.

subjective

subjective based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.

variable

variable not consistent or having a fixed pattern; liable to change.

controlled variable

controlled variable is the one thing that is not changed throughout an experiment, because its unchanging state allows the relationship between the other variables being tested to be better understood.

data

data facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.

hypothesis

hypothesis a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

International System (SI)

International System (SI) The International System of Units (abbreviated as SI) is the modern form of the metric system, and is the most widely used system of measurement. It comprises a coherent system of units of measurement built on seven base units.

model

model In science, a model is a representation of an idea, an object or even a process or a system that is used to describe and explain phenomena that cannot be experienced directly. Models are central to what scientists do, both in their research as well as when communicating their explanations.

trial

trial a test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something.

scientific law

scientific law A scientific law is a statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes some aspect of the universe.  a phenomenon of nature that has been  proven to invariably occur whenever certain conditions exist or are met; also, a formal statement about such a phenomenon.

scientific theory

scientific theory a coherent group of propositions formulated  to explain a group of facts or phenomena in the natural world and  repeatedly confirmed through experiment or observation.

system

system a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole, in particular.

science

science Systematic knowledge of the physical or  material world gained through observation  and experimentation.

ethics

ethics a system of moral principles.

engineering

engineering the art of making practical application of the  knowledge of pure sciences, as physics or chemistry, as in the  construction of engines, bridges, buildings, mines, ships, and  chemical plants. Digital Technology. the art or process of  designing and programming computer systems: computer engineering; software engineering.

technology

technology the branch of knowledge that deals with the  creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with  life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as  industrial arts, engineering,  applied science, and pure science.

control group

control group the group in an experiment or study that does not receive treatment by the researchers and is then used as a benchmark to measure how the other tested subjects do.

controlled experiment

controlled experiment an experiment or trial that uses controls, usually separating the subjects into one or more control groups and experimental  groups.

experimental group

experimental group the group in an experiment that receives the variable being tested. One variable is tested at a time. The experimental group is compared to a control group, which does not receive the test variable. In this way, experimental groups are used to find answers in an experiment.

qualitative data

qualitative data Qualitative data is information about qualities; information that can't actually be measured.  Qualitative data cannot be expressed as a number; touch, taste, see.

quantitative data

quantitative data Quantitative data are anything that can be expressed as a number, or quantified. Examples of quantitative data are scores on achievement tests, number of hours of study, or weight of a subject.

observation

observation an act or instance of viewing or noting a fact  or occurrence for some scientific or other special purpose. an act or instance of noticing or perceiving. an act or instance of regarding attentively or watching.

inference

inference to derive by reasoning; conclude or judge from premises or evidence. They inferred his displeasure from his cool tone of voice.

scientific notation

scientific notation a method for expressing a given quantity as a number having significant digits necessary for a specified  degree of accuracy, multiplied by 10 to the appropriate power, as 1385.62 written as1.386 × 10 3.

accuracy

accuracy the condition or quality of being true, correct, or exact; freedom from error or defect; precision or exactness; correctness.

scale

scale Scale is defined as a system or series of marks used for measuring or registering. An example of scale is what someone would use to figure out the length of something.

proportion

proportion comparative relation between things or  magnitudes as to size, quantity, number, etc.; ratio.

structure

structure anything composed of parts arranged  together in some way; an organization.

function

function the kind of action or activity proper to a  person, thing, or institution; the purpose for which something is designed or exists; role.

stability

stability the state or quality of being stable. firmness in position. continuance without change; permanence.

change

change to transform or convert (usually followed by into).

classify

classify to arrange or organize by classes; order according to class.

critical thinking

critical thinking disciplined thinking that is clear, rational,  open-minded, and informed by evidence.

precision

precision accuracy; exactness.

pattern

pattern a combination of qualities, acts, tendencies,  etc., forming a consistent or characteristic arrangement.