Flashcards for:
Understanding the Scientific Method

Controlling variables ensures that the experiment tests the hypothesis accurately and that results are not influenced by external factors.

Reproducibility confirms the reliability of results by allowing others to replicate the experiment, thereby validating the findings.

Hypothesis refinement involves updating the hypothesis in light of new data or failed experiments, which improves the accuracy and depth of scientific understanding.

Asking a question helps guide the direction of research, and forming a hypothesis offers a testable explanation that attempts to answer that question.

A controlled experiment isolates the effects of the independent variable, ensuring that observed changes are due to the variable being tested.

A hypothesis is a testable explanation of a phenomenon, while a prediction is a specific expected outcome of an experiment based on the hypothesis.

Hassan ibn al-Haytham’s emphasis on skepticism laid the groundwork for modern scientific inquiry by insisting on questioning and verifying findings.

The hypothesis could be that saltwater has a lower freezing point than freshwater, which can be tested by comparing freezing times and temperatures.

Hassan ibn al-Haytham, also known as Alhazen, is considered a father of the scientific method. He emphasized the importance of skepticism and systematic experimentation.

The initial step is 'Observation', which is important because it involves noticing interesting or unusual phenomena that can lead to asking insightful questions.

Skepticism and critical thinking ensure scientific findings are carefully examined, reducing errors and avoiding the acceptance of false assumptions.

A good hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable, meaning it should be possible to prove it wrong through experimentation.

'Iterate and refine' means analyzing results, modifying the hypothesis if needed, and repeating experiments to improve reliability and understanding.

Making a prediction provides a clear expectation of the experiment's outcome, which can be used to evaluate the validity of the hypothesis.

The method relies on evidence-based conclusions and requires rigorous testing and validation, which helps avoid the propagation of incorrect information.