Scientific Research Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on scientific research vocabulary: hypothesis, peer review, control group, placebo, replication, statistical significance and more. B2 level.
This quiz focuses on how the target vocabulary for Scientific Research is actually used in context at B2 level, rather than testing bare definitions. Correct answers you will need to identify include terms such as hypothesis, peer, independent, control and placebo, each embedded in a full example sentence so you have to judge meaning from context, not just recognise an isolated word.
Working through all 12 questions and checking the explanations in the FAQ below is a quick way to spot any terms you are still unsure of. Revisiting the quiz again after a day or two, rather than only once, is one of the most reliable ways to move new vocabulary from passive recognition into words you can use confidently yourself in speaking and writing.
Keep building your scientific research vocabulary.
Scientific Research Vocabulary — FAQ
What is a 'hypothesis' in scientific research?
A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction or proposed explanation for an observed phenomenon. A null hypothesis (H0) states that there is no effect; an alternative hypothesis (H1) states that there is an effect. The experiment attempts to provide evidence to accept or reject the null hypothesis.
What is 'peer review' in science?
Peer review is the evaluation of a scientific paper by other experts in the same field before publication. Reviewers assess the methodology, analysis and conclusions. It is considered the gold standard for validating scientific research, though it does not guarantee that results are correct.
What is the difference between an 'independent variable' and a 'dependent variable'?
The independent variable is the factor deliberately changed or manipulated in an experiment. The dependent variable is what is measured to see if it changes as a result. For example, in a drug trial, the dose given is the independent variable, and the patient's blood pressure is the dependent variable.
What is a 'control group' in an experiment?
A control group is the group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment being tested, used as a baseline for comparison. In a clinical trial, the control group might receive a placebo while the experimental group receives the actual drug. Any difference in outcomes can then be attributed to the drug.
What is a 'placebo' and what is the 'placebo effect'?
A placebo is an inactive substance that looks identical to the real treatment but has no therapeutic effect (for example, a sugar pill). The placebo effect is the measurable improvement in a patient's condition that results simply from believing they are receiving a real treatment. Clinical trials use placebos to separate true effects from the placebo effect.
What does 'replication' mean in science?
Replication means repeating an experiment or study to check whether the same results are obtained. It is fundamental to the scientific method: if a finding cannot be replicated, it is unlikely to be a true, reliable result. The 'replication crisis' refers to the widespread failure to reproduce findings in fields such as psychology and medicine.
What is 'statistical significance'?
A result is statistically significant if it is unlikely to have occurred by chance alone (usually p < 0.05). Statistical significance does not necessarily mean a result is practically important; it only means it is unlikely to be a chance finding.
What is a 'literature review'?
A literature review is a comprehensive survey and critical analysis of existing published research on a topic. It is usually the first step in a research project, helping the researcher understand what is already known, identify gaps in knowledge and justify why new research is needed.
What is 'sample size' and why does it matter?
Sample size is the number of participants, observations or data points included in a study. A larger sample size generally produces more reliable and generalisable results because it reduces the impact of random variation. Small sample sizes can produce misleading results even if statistical significance is achieved.
What is 'bias' in research?
Bias in research refers to any systematic error that causes results to deviate from the true value. Types include selection bias (the sample is not representative), confirmation bias (the researcher interprets data to support their beliefs), publication bias (positive results are more likely to be published) and observer bias (expectations influence measurements).