2 Scientific Reasoning and Evidence Free Online FlashCards

What is a scientific observation?

An observation is a recorded result of examining or measuring something, directly or with instruments.

What is scientific evidence, and what can it establish?

Evidence is data interpreted in relation to a scientific question or claim. It can support a conclusion without proving it with absolute certainty.

What direction does inductive reasoning take?

Inductive reasoning moves from particular observations to a broader pattern or generalization.

What is a scientific inference?

An inference is a conclusion drawn from observations and background knowledge.

Why is “it recently rained” an inference from wet pavement?

Wet pavement is an observation; concluding that it recently rained is an inference because sprinklers could also have wet it.

What can affect the quality of observations?

Instrument limits, calibration, and choices about recording or classifying results can affect observations.

Why can induction not guarantee a generalization?

Inductive conclusions extend beyond the cases observed, so they are probable rather than logically guaranteed.

What does deductive reasoning do?

Deductive reasoning derives a specific conclusion from stated premises.

What is a key limitation of deduction in science?

Deduction shows what follows from premises, but cannot by itself establish that those premises accurately describe the world.

How do induction and deduction work together in investigations?

Researchers use patterns to develop general ideas, derive predictions from them, and compare those predictions with new measurements.

What makes evidence more informative?

Reliable measurements, methods suited to the question, and consideration of alternative explanations make evidence more informative.

What practices can help establish whether a result is robust?

Repeated measurements, suitable comparisons or controls, transparent methods, and independent replication can help show whether a result is robust.