Jikken (実験)

Definition

Jikken, meaning 'experiment' in Japanese, refers to a systematic procedure undertaken to test hypotheses or observe phenomena under controlled conditions. It is a fundamental aspect of the scientific method, allowing researchers to gather data, validate theories, and make informed conclusions based on empirical evidence. Experiments can vary in complexity, from simple tests conducted in classrooms to advanced studies in laboratories, and they often play a key role in scientific research and innovation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Experiments can be categorized into different types such as controlled experiments, field experiments, and natural experiments, each serving unique purposes in research.
2. The design of an experiment includes variables such as independent variables (what is changed), dependent variables (what is measured), and control variables (what is kept constant).
3. Data obtained from experiments can be qualitative (descriptive) or quantitative (numerical), which helps in analyzing results effectively.
4. Ethical considerations are crucial when conducting experiments, especially those involving human subjects or animals, to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
5. Reproducibility is a key principle in scientific experiments; findings should be repeatable by other researchers to confirm their validity.

Review Questions

• How does Jikken contribute to the scientific method and the overall process of research?
  • Jikken is essential to the scientific method as it allows researchers to test hypotheses through controlled conditions. By conducting experiments, scientists can gather empirical data that either supports or refutes their theories. This process not only enhances understanding of natural phenomena but also contributes to the development of new knowledge and technologies in various fields.
• Discuss the importance of ethical considerations when designing experiments and how they affect research outcomes.
  • Ethical considerations in experiment design are vital to protect the rights and welfare of participants, whether human or animal. By adhering to ethical guidelines, researchers minimize risks and ensure informed consent is obtained. This focus on ethics can affect research outcomes by fostering trust within the community, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring that findings are taken seriously by the public and policymakers.
• Evaluate how the principles of reproducibility and validity are related in the context of Jikken and scientific research.
  • Reproducibility and validity are closely related concepts in the realm of Jikken. Reproducibility refers to the ability of other researchers to replicate an experiment and achieve similar results, while validity assesses whether an experiment accurately measures what it intends to measure. For scientific research to be considered credible, both principles must be upheld; reproducible results strengthen the validity of findings, thereby reinforcing confidence in scientific conclusions and advancing collective understanding.

Related terms

Kagaku (科学): The Japanese term for 'science,' encompassing the study of the natural world through observation and experimentation.

Shindansho (診断書): A diagnostic report that often arises from medical experiments or studies, used to assess health conditions.

Kensho (検証): Verification or validation processes that ensure experimental results are accurate and reliable.