Vocabulary Worksheet — Intro
Science & Research
Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Example sentence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| hypothesis | n. | an idea tested through research | The hypothesis was supported by the data. |
| variable | n. | a factor that can change in an experiment or study | Age was an important variable. |
| sample | n. | a group or amount selected for study | The sample included 500 adults. |
| dataset | n. | a collection of data used for analysis | The dataset was made publicly available. |
| replicate | v. | to repeat a study to check its results | Other scientists tried to replicate the findings. |
| correlation | n. | a connection between two things in data | There was a correlation between sleep and performance. |
| causation | n. | the relationship where one thing causes another | The study did not prove causation. |
| validity | n. | the quality of measuring or proving what is intended | The validity of the test was questioned. |
| peer review | n. | evaluation of research by other experts | Peer review improved the article. |
| breakthrough | n. | an important new discovery or development | The breakthrough could change cancer treatment. |
| prototype | n. | an early model of a product or system | The prototype was tested in the lab. |
| ethical | adj. | morally acceptable or responsible | The study raised ethical questions. |
Common Collocations
hypothesis: test a hypothesis, research hypothesis
variable: control variable, independent variable
sample: large sample, representative sample
variable: control variable, independent variable
sample: large sample, representative sample
dataset: large dataset, analyse a dataset
replicate: replicate a study, replicate results
correlation: strong correlation, positive correlation
replicate: replicate a study, replicate results
correlation: strong correlation, positive correlation
causation: show causation, confuse correlation and causation
validity: scientific validity, external validity
peer review: peer review process, undergo peer review
validity: scientific validity, external validity
peer review: peer review process, undergo peer review
breakthrough: scientific breakthrough, major breakthrough
prototype: working prototype, build a prototype
ethical: ethical issue, ethical approval
prototype: working prototype, build a prototype
ethical: ethical issue, ethical approval
Language Tips
Correlation and causation
Correlation means two things are connected in the data. Causation means one thing produces an effect.
A study may show correlation without proving causation.
Research quality
A valid study measures what it claims to measure. Replication checks whether results can be found again.
Peer review allows other experts to evaluate research before publication.