C1 — AdvancedScience

Science and Research

Advanced vocabulary for discussing scientific methods, research processes, and academic discovery in English.

18 words

Word List

Word	Phonetic	Part of Speech	Definition	Example
hypothesis	/haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/	noun	A proposed explanation for something that has not yet been proven, used as a starting point for investigation	The researchers formulated a hypothesis before designing the experiment.
empirical	/ɪmˈpɪrɪkəl/	adjective	Based on observation or experience rather than theory alone	The study provides empirical evidence that exercise improves mental health.
methodology	/ˌmɛθəˈdɒlədʒi/	noun	A system of methods and principles used to carry out research	The methodology section of the paper explains exactly how the study was conducted.
peer review	/pɪər rɪˈvjuː/	noun	The process by which experts in a field evaluate a piece of research before it is published	The article went through peer review and was accepted by a top journal.
variable	/ˈvɛəriəbəl/	noun	A factor in an experiment that can change or be changed to test a hypothesis	The researchers controlled all variables except the one they were testing.
correlation	/ˌkɒrəˈleɪʃən/	noun	A statistical relationship between two things where one changes as the other does	There is a strong correlation between smoking and lung disease, though correlation does not prove causation.
sample	/ˈsɑːmpəl/	noun	A small part of a larger group that is studied to learn about the whole	The study used a sample of five hundred participants from different age groups.
replicate	/ˈrɛplɪkeɪt/	verb	To repeat a scientific experiment to check whether the same results are obtained	Other laboratories tried to replicate the findings but got different results.
bias	/ˈbaɪəs/	noun	A tendency to favour one outcome or interpretation over others, which can distort results	The researchers took great care to eliminate bias from the study design.
conclusive	/kənˈkluːsɪv/	adjective	Proving something definitely and leaving no room for doubt	The evidence was not conclusive, so further research is needed.
data	/ˈdeɪtə/	noun	Facts, figures, and information collected for analysis in research	The data suggest that the new drug is more effective than the old one.
phenomenon	/fɪˈnɒmɪnən/	noun	A fact or event that is observed, especially one whose cause is being studied	Scientists are still trying to fully understand the phenomenon of dark matter.
quantitative	/ˈkwɒntɪtətɪv/	adjective	Relating to measuring amounts or quantities using numbers and data	The team used quantitative methods to analyse the survey data.
qualitative	/ˈkwɒlɪtətɪv/	adjective	Relating to the quality or character of something rather than its quantity	The qualitative research involved in-depth interviews with participants.
dissertation	/ˌdɪsərˈteɪʃən/	noun	A long piece of academic writing based on original research, especially for a doctoral degree	She spent three years writing her doctoral dissertation on renewable energy.
theory	/ˈθɪəri/	noun	A well-tested explanation of natural phenomena, supported by a large body of evidence	The theory of evolution is one of the most important ideas in biology.
breakthrough	/ˈbreɪkθruː/	noun	An important discovery or development that helps solve a problem	The new treatment represents a major breakthrough in cancer research.
cite	/saɪt/	verb	To refer to a source of information in academic writing to support your argument	You must cite all the sources you use in your research paper.

Flashcards

noun

hypothesis

/haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/

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Definition

A proposed explanation for something that has not yet been proven, used as a starting point for investigation

“The researchers formulated a hypothesis before designing the experiment.”

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Card 1 of 18

Practice Exercises

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What does 'empirical' mean?