Truth vs. Facts
The way things really are, unchanging.
What is Truth?
An informed prediction, based on a theory.
What is hypothesis?
The variable you change in an experiment.
What is the explanatory variable?
An experiment where neither researchers nor participants know who gets the real treatment.
Double-blind experiment
The four cardinal directions.
North, South, East, West
A statement supported by evidence, but can change.
What is a Scientific fact?
Our best current explanation; a model.
What is a theory?
The variable you measure in an experiment.
What is the response variable?
Why are repeated experiments important?
Check for errors, confirm results, build confidence
Which way does the Sun appear to rise and set?
Rises in east, sets in west
Give one example of a historical fact.
Ex. Texas independence in 1836”
The step where scientists test a hypothesis under controlled conditions.
What is an experiment?
A hidden factor that could affect results.
What is the lurking variable
What does it mean when scientists say a theory is a model?
Best explanation, not absolute truth.
What do we call the model where Earth is in the center?
Geocentric model
What’s the key difference between truth and a scientific fact?
Truth never changes; scientific facts can change.
What do scientists do during analysis?
Interpret data, see if results support the hypothesis.
The group that does NOT get treatment.
What is the control group?
Why do we need to watch out for lurking variables?
They confuse results; can hide the real cause.
Who first said Earth spins on its axis and the Sun is at the center?
Copernicus, heliocentric model
Which of these is a truth claim?
A) Atoms are made of protons, neutrons, electrons
B) God made the world
C) Texas gained independence in 1836
B: God made the world
Name 3 steps in the scientific method.
State problem, research, hypothesis, experiment, collect data, analyze, conclude, repeat.
The group that DOES get treatment.
What is the experimental group?
Name 5 parts of the Cycle of Scientific Enterprise in order.
Theory → Hypothesis → Experiment → Analysis → Review → back to Theory
Name two of the three Washington, D.C. landmarks that line up east–west.
Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial