independent variable
the cause in the experiment
dependent variable
the effect in the experiment - what is tested
control
an element that remains unchanged or unaffected by other variables
constant
a quantity or factor that does not change during an experiment, it remains the same throughout the entire process
hypothesis
an educated guess
scientific method
the process of objectively establishing facts through testing and experimentation: state problem, investigate, hypothesis, experiment, analyze data, conclude
peer review
examined by other experts
sample size
the number of observations or individuals included in a study or experiment
trials
experiments or tests
bias
a flaw in the study design or the method of collecting or interpreting information
theory
well-supported explanation
law
proven true many times what nature does under certain conditions
inference
the process of drawing conclusions based on evidence and reasoning.