Scientific terminology Confusing scientific vocabulary Many words and phrases that are commonly used in everyday language may have very specific meanings (or sometime contrary meanings) in science. It is important that science teachers and students understanding these differences, so that those words and phrases are used correctly and with the right intention. This ensures that scientific communication is always clear and unambiguous. Terms used in scientific and everyday communications. Note that the list of terms is not exhaustive. Term Meaning in scientific usage Possible meaning(s) in usage Anomaly In science, an observation that differs from the expectations generated by an established scientific idea. Anomalous observations may inspire scientists to reconsider, modify, or come up with alternatives to an accepted theory or hypothesis Abnormal Aerosol Small droplets or particles suspended in the atmosphere Spray can Assumption In science, an auxiliary (secondary) hypothesis that is taken to be true for the purposes of interpreting a particular test. All tests involve making assumptions. Something that is accepted to be true without proof Belief A scientific idea that is the most accurate explanation, based on a critical evaluation of available evidence. Faith in an idea Bias A systematic distortion of a statistical result. Inclination or prejudice Chemical Substance Toxin or poison Control A variable that is kept constant in a science experiment so that the impact of another factor can be better understood. In scientific testing, a group that is matched to an experimental group, but which is not exposed to the experimental treatment that the experimental group is. For example, to test the efficacy of a new drug, the drug is given to one group of people (the treatment group), while the other group (control group) is given a placebo. Controls are important in fair tests. To order, limit or rule people or events Enhance Increase Improve Error Used in the statistical analyses of data The difference between the predicted/measured value and its true value A mistake Fact Facts are statements that are known to be true through direct observations or measurements. A highly valued form of knowledge (can be confident about them) Falsifiable An idea that is testable, generating evidence that a particular claim or scientific idea is false. Ideas that have been shown to be untrue
Hypothesis Based on prior experience, scientific background knowledge, preliminary observations, and logic. Supported by many different lines of evidence — (not "guesses“) Have explanatory — they are explanations for phenomena. Are testable because it generates expectations about what we should observe in different situations. An educated guess Law A generalization about data A way of predicting outcomes in a particular situations (e.g. Mendel’s Laws; Newton’s Laws of motion). Relationship between variables (e.g. F = m x a; V = I x R) A rule that must be abided. Manipulation Processing (e.g. of data for analysis) Fudging, To control persons or situations in order to mislead Naive Not exposed to the condition that is being investigated Too willing to believe in something or someone (inexperienced) Observation Made directly with our own senses or indirectly through the use of tools like thermometers, pH test kits, Geiger counters, etc. Something that we've seen with our own eyes Prediction What may be expected to happen to a system if some related idea was true. Related to past events. Substitute with expect/expectation. Guess Positive Feedback The amplification of an effect by its own influence E.g. a bacterial infection that is untreated results in uncontrolled fever. Praise Reaction E.g. Chemical reaction: 2 or more substances interact with and change each other. Action in response to something Scheme Systematic plan for an investigation A devious plot Sign Plus or minus sign An indication To write your name Significant Not due to chance (statistically valid) Important Theory explanations for a wide range of phenomena. Strongly supported by many different lines of evidence May be modified or overturned if warranted by new evidence and perspective A hunch with little evidential support Uncertainty Related to measurements The range of values within which the true value is likely to fall. State of being unsure of something Values Numbers, data Ethics Worth