Biology
scientific study of all forms of life
Science
The knowledge obtained by observing natural events and conditions in order to discover facts and formulate laws or principles that can be verified or tested
Observation
using the senses to study the world; using tools to collect measurements; examining previous research results.
Inference
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning
Controlled experiment
An experiment in which only one variable is manipulated at a time
Independent variable
condition or factor that is manipulated by a scientist during an experiment.
Dependent variable
experimental data collected through observation and measurement.
Control group
In an experiment, the group that is not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.
Data
observations and measurements recorded during an experiment.
Theory
proposed explanation for a wide variety of observations and experimental results
Bias
A particular preference or point of view that is personal, rather than scientific
Law
a descriptive statement or equation that reliably predicts events under certain conditions
Experiment
process that tests a hypothesis by collecting information under controlled conditions
Constant
condition that is controlled so that it does not change during an experiment
experimental group
In an experiment, the group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.
Hypothesis
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory