Science Uncertainty and Public Understanding

C1 · 100 entries · Five themes

Science Uncertainty and Public Understanding

Created by , British English teacher.

Open a theme, then select a word or phrase for its meaning, example and pronunciation.

1. Scientific explanation (20 entries)
  1. refine a theory
  2. formulate a hypothesis
  3. explain a mechanism
  4. scientific consensus
  5. explanatory power
  6. causal pathway
  7. control condition
  8. explanatory priority
  9. unifying principle
  10. explanatory framework
  11. conceptual bridge
  12. theoretical contribution
  13. theoretical implication
  14. stem
  15. integrative model
  16. conceptual clarification
  17. complementary account
  18. external critique
  19. follow from
  20. apparent paradox
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2. Degrees of uncertainty (20 entries)
  1. reasonable doubt
  2. express caution
  3. preliminary finding
  4. quantify uncertainty
  5. confidence level
  6. inconclusive result
  7. acknowledge limitations
  8. sampling variation
  9. statistical noise
  10. risk estimate
  11. distinction in degree
  12. specificity
  13. continuum
  14. speculative
  15. indeterminate
  16. elusive
  17. distinction in kind
  18. dichotomy
  19. spectrum
  20. nominal
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3. Competing models (20 entries)
  1. revise a model
  2. alternative mechanism
  3. explanatory scope
  4. theoretical framework
  5. simplifying assumption
  6. competing hypothesis
  7. account for variation
  8. distinguish explanations
  9. conceptual model
  10. model fit
  11. testable claim
  12. mathematical model
  13. predictive accuracy
  14. model parameter
  15. rival prediction
  16. reassess a model
  17. competing account
  18. compare frameworks
  19. simulation
  20. theoretical lens
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4. Communication of findings (20 entries)
  1. contextualise results
  2. uncertainty statement
  3. source attribution
  4. avoid overstatement
  5. preprint
  6. translate technical language
  7. visual analogy
  8. acknowledge uncertainty
  9. reconcile findings
  10. expose a disagreement
  11. identify common ground
  12. hedge a conclusion
  13. divergent finding
  14. attach weight to
  15. with appropriate caution
  16. empirical advance
  17. corrective account
  18. disciplinary assumption
  19. in practice
  20. compatible with
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5. Public interpretation (20 entries)
  1. correct a misconception
  2. misconception
  3. false balance
  4. source credibility
  5. evidence threshold
  6. selective reporting
  7. distinguish correlation from causation
  8. scientific literacy
  9. media framing
  10. telling detail
  11. taken-for-granted belief
  12. literal reading
  13. charitable interpretation
  14. differentiate
  15. knowing glance
  16. conspicuous absence
  17. equivocal response
  18. figurative reading
  19. shade of meaning
  20. conventional meaning
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