| A | B |
|---|
| accuracy | The quality of being correct or precise;the ability to perform a task with precision |
| boundary | A line that makes the limits of an area; alimit of a subject or sphere of activity |
| closed system | A system that does not interact with other systems to simulate an abstract model of a particular system |
| computer simulation | A computer program that attempts to simulate an abstract model of a particular system |
| conclusion | The summing up of an experiment |
| constraint | A limit or restriction |
| controlled experiment | Experiment in which an independent variable is the only factor allowed to be adjusted with the dependent variable as the factor that the independent variable will affect |
| controlled variable | The factor that stays the same in an experiment |
| criteria | A standard ruleor test on which judgement or decision can be based |
| data | Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis |
| dependent/responding variable | The variable to be measured in an experiment |
| effective | Successful in producing a desired or intended result |
| experimental control | When an experiment is conducted for the purpose of determinging the effect of a single variable of interest on a particular system |
| experimental question | A brief but specific statement of what the researcher wants to learn from conducting the experiment |
| independent/manipulated variable | A variable whose variation does not depend on that of another. It is the variable which the experimenter changes |
| input | Something that is put in |
| investigation | A formal inquiry; action of investigating something |
| negative feedback | A process which reduces the output of a system in order to stabilize or re-establish homeostasis |
| open system | A system that interacts with other systems or outside the environment |
| output | An amount produced or manufactured during a certain time |
| positive feedback | A closed system as it occurs in a feedback loop The response of the system relies on the feedback signal to function. e.g.: onset of contractions in childbirth |
| prediction | An estimate of what will happen to a specific thing in the future or will be a consequence of something |
| procedure | An established or official way of doing something |
| redesign | To make a new design for something |
| reliable | Consistently good in quality or performance;able to be trusted |
| research question | An inquiry that is asked for the purpose of gaining knowledge or useful information on a topic |
| sensor | A devise that detects or measures a physical property |
| skeptical | Not easily convinced,having doubts or reservations |
| subsystem | A system that is part of some larger system |
| summary | A brief statement or account of the main points of something |
| systematic observation | An objective and organized means of gathering data to confirm or validate criteria |
| technology | Application of knowledge gained from scientific research to solve the needs and problems to improve the quality of life in a society |
| theory | An explanation of a natural phenomenon based on many observations and investigations over time |
| thermometer | An instrument used to measure temperature |
