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Describe the scientific method, list the four steps involved, and explain what empirical evidence is. Specify the difference between a hypothesis and a theory, and explain the importance of operational definitions, replication, and statistics. Define meta-analysis, state what it is used for, and explain what a statistically significant finding is.

User Duy Bui
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Final answer:

The scientific method is a method of research with defined steps that include experiments and careful observation. Empirical evidence refers to evidence obtained through observation. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation while a theory is a thoroughly tested and confirmed explanation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scientific method is a method of research with defined steps that include experiments and careful observation.

The steps of the scientific method are as follows:

  1. Make observations
  2. Identify a question based on the observation
  3. Research what is already known about the observation
  4. Form a hypothesis
  5. Test the hypothesis

Empirical evidence refers to evidence that is obtained through observation and measurement in the physical world.

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a natural phenomenon, while a theory is a thoroughly tested and confirmed explanation for a set of observations.

Operational definitions are important in scientific research as they define concepts in a way that allows them to be measured objectively.

Replication is crucial in science as it involves repeating a study to determine if the same results can be obtained.

Statistics are used to analyze data and draw conclusions from it.

Meta-analysis is a statistical method used to combine the results of multiple studies, increasing the sample size and statistical power.

A statistically significant finding is one that indicates the results are unlikely to be due to chance alone.

User Andres Foronda
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