PTE Science & Research Vocabulary

A scientific procedure carried out to test an idea or discover something new.

“The experiment was repeated several times to confirm that the results were reliable.”

Collocations: conduct an experiment, controlled experiment

The careful watching and recording of something in order to gain information.

“Careful observation of the night sky led to early theories about planetary motion.”

Collocations: close observation, direct observation

Based on direct observation or experiment rather than on theory alone.

“The claim lacks empirical evidence and remains largely speculative.”

Collocations: empirical evidence, empirical research

Concerned with amounts and numbers that can be measured and counted.

“The study used quantitative data to measure changes in average rainfall over time.”

Collocations: quantitative data, quantitative analysis

Concerned with the nature or quality of something rather than with numbers.

“Interviews provided rich qualitative insight into how patients experienced the treatment.”

Collocations: qualitative research, qualitative data

Based on ideas and principles rather than on practical experience or testing.

“The proposal is sound in theoretical terms but difficult to apply in real conditions.”

Collocations: theoretical framework, theoretical model

A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction, or anything that triggers change.

“The enzyme acts as a catalyst that accelerates the breakdown of starch.”

Collocations: act as a catalyst, chemical catalyst

An event or fact that can be observed, especially one that is unusual or studied scientifically.

“Scientists are still working to explain this puzzling atmospheric phenomenon.”

Collocations: natural phenomenon, observe a phenomenon

A factor in an experiment that can change and may affect the outcome.

“By holding every other variable constant, the team isolated the effect of temperature.”

Collocations: independent variable, control a variable

A relationship in which two things tend to change together.

“The data revealed a strong correlation between exercise and lower blood pressure.”

Collocations: strong correlation, positive correlation

The combining of separate parts or ideas into a single connected whole.

“The review offers a clear synthesis of decades of research on the topic.”

Collocations: chemical synthesis, synthesis of ideas

The smallest unit of a substance that keeps the chemical properties of that substance.

“A water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.”

Collocations: water molecule, organic molecule

Any individual living thing, such as an animal, plant, or microbe.

“Even the simplest organism relies on a steady supply of energy to survive.”

Collocations: living organism, single-celled organism

An extremely small piece or unit of matter.

“The detector recorded the path of each charged particle after the collision.”

Collocations: subatomic particle, tiny particle

To repeat a study or process exactly in order to check its results.

“Other laboratories were unable to replicate the original findings.”

Collocations: replicate the results, replicate a study

The set of methods and principles used to carry out a piece of research.

“Reviewers criticised the study's methodology for relying on too small a sample.”

Collocations: research methodology, sound methodology

A typical pattern or model that shapes how a subject is understood at a given time.

“The discovery triggered a fundamental shift in the dominant scientific paradigm.”

Collocations: dominant paradigm, paradigm shift

Something that differs from what is normal or expected.

“The instrument detected a temperature anomaly that no existing theory could explain.”

Collocations: statistical anomaly, detect an anomaly

Having a limit or fixed size; not endless.

“Because fossil fuels are a finite resource, alternatives must be developed urgently.”

Collocations: finite resource, finite number

To obtain or work out something from a source or set of facts.

“The team derived a formula to predict how the population would grow over time.”

Collocations: derive from, derive a conclusion

To reach a conclusion from evidence and reasoning rather than from direct statement.

“From the fossil record, scientists infer that the climate was once far warmer.”

Collocations: infer from, reasonably infer

To adjust an instrument so that its measurements are accurate.

“Technicians must calibrate the sensors regularly to ensure precise readings.”

Collocations: calibrate an instrument, carefully calibrate

The great size, extent, or importance of something.

“Researchers underestimated the magnitude of the warming the data revealed.”

Collocations: sheer magnitude, order of magnitude