Post-Basic Vocabulary

Scientific Terminology

Table of Contents

20 Scientific Terminology Words with Meanings and Examples

1. Hypothesis: A proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested.

Example: The scientist formulated a hypothesis about the effects of climate change.

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2. Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.

Example: The theory of relativity has been widely accepted by the scientific community.

3. Experiment: A test designed to prove or disprove a hypothesis.

Example: The researcher conducted an experiment to test the effectiveness of the new drug.

4. Data: Facts and statistics collected together for analysis.

Example: The data analysis revealed a significant increase in sales during the holiday season.

5. Variable: A quantity that can change or vary.

Example: The independent variable in the experiment was the amount of fertilizer used.

6. Control Group: A group in an experiment that is not exposed to the independent variable.

Example: The control group in the study received a placebo instead of the experimental drug.

7. Correlation: A relationship or connection between two or more things.

Example: The study found a strong correlation between education level and income.

8. Causation: The act of causing something to happen.

Example: The scientist aimed to prove causation between smoking and lung cancer.

9. Methodology: A system of methods used in a particular field of study.

Example: The article described the methodology used for collecting data on student performance.

10. Empirical: Based on observation or experiment rather than theory or pure logic.

Example: The scientist conducted empirical research to study the effects of climate change.

11. Peer Review: The evaluation of work by experts in the same field.

Example: Before publication, research articles undergo peer review.

12. Replication: The repetition of an experiment to verify its results.

Example: The researchers replicated the experiment to ensure the reliability of their findings.

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13. Falsifiability: The ability of a theory to be proven false.

Example: A scientific theory must be falsifiable to be considered valid.

14. Parametric: Relating to or involving a parameter.

Example: The statistical analysis used parametric tests to analyze the data.

15. Nonparametric: Not relating to or involving a parameter.

Example: The researcher used nonparametric tests to analyze the data because the assumptions for parametric tests were not met.

16. Sample: A subset of a population used to represent the whole.

Example: The researcher surveyed a random sample of 1000 people.

17. Population: The entire group of individuals or objects that a study is concerned with.

Example: The population of the study was all adults aged 18 and over.

18. Reliability: The consistency and accuracy of a measurement or result.

Example: The study used a reliable questionnaire to collect data.

19. Validity: The extent to which a measurement or result reflects what it is intended to measure.

Example: The researcher ensured the validity of the experiment by controlling for extraneous variables.

20. Bias: A systematic error in judgment or measurement.

Example: The researcher was aware of the potential for bias in their study and took steps to minimize it.

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