scientific method

• The scientific method is a systematic logical approach to gathering information and reaching conclusions.
• Hypothesis is a testable statement for a specific set of observations that serves as the basis for experimentation.
• Experimentation is a test designed to eliminate other explanations or a test designed to support or reject a hypothesis.
• Experimental Group is the group in which one factor or treatment is varied or manipulated.
• Control Group is the group in which all variables are identical to the experimental group except the one you are testing.
• A hypothesis must be tested through experiments.
• The purpose of a phase II clinical trial is to determine if the new drug is effective in humans.
• In order to properly evaluate scientific research conclusions, one should utilize critical thinking by determining the reliability of the source of the data.
• Critical thinking skills are necessary to reach appropriate scientific conclusions.
• Trying to come up with other possible explanations for the results is part of utilizing critical thinking when evaluating scientific research conclusions.
• In an experimental vs control group, the control group receives a placebo.
• A hypothesis can be rejected or accepted by the results of the experiments.
• Experimental and control groups are used in scientific research.
• Comparing the new drug to other available treatments is the purpose of a phase III clinical trial.
• Variables are anything that can be changed or altered in the experiment, independent is what we change, dependent is what is being measured, or what may change in response to the independent variable.
• Repeatability, peer review, and nature, science, and cell are criteria for scientific research.
• Inductive reasoning involves the accumulation of facts through observation until finally there are enough facts to draw a conclusion or develop a testable hypothesis.
• Placebo is a substance that appears to be identical to a drug but has no known effect on the condition for which it is taken for.
• Theory in scientific research is a wide-ranging explanation of some aspect of the physical universe.
• Confounding variables are additional variables that have not been controlled in an experiment.
• Not all information found online is relevant, accurate, or even true.
• Everyone should remain skeptical and evaluate the source of information.
• Critical thinking skills are used to analyze information and make wise decisions.
• Deductive reasoning involves making a general statement, often in the format of an “if - then” statement, then drawing more specific conclusions from it.
• Constants in scientific research are any variable that remains constant between experimental and control group.
• Clinical trials are experiments that deal with medicines or other materials used by humans and are first tested on laboratory animals, typically rodents.
• Informed consent is a requirement for participants in clinical trials.
• The scientific method uses a logical, step-by-step approach to solving problems.
• Statistical relevance in scientific research is achieved by having a large sample size, data analyzed by statistical test, and replication within the experiment.