🔬 Science & Research · IELTS Vocabulary by Topic · 20 words

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hypothesis /haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/ n	an idea that is suggested to explain something but has not been proved The researchers designed a series of tests to check their hypothesis.
experiment /ɪkˈsperɪmənt/ n	a scientific test done to discover what happens or to prove an idea Many people believe that experiments on animals should be banned.
laboratory /ləˈbɒrətri/ n	a room or building used for scientific research and testing The new vaccine was developed in a university laboratory.
empirical /ɪmˈpɪrɪkl/ adj	based on observation or experience rather than theory There is little empirical evidence to support this popular belief.
phenomenon /fəˈnɒmɪnən/ n	a fact or event that can be observed, especially one that is not fully understood Global warming is a complex phenomenon with many different causes.
findings /ˈfaɪndɪŋz/ n	the information discovered as the result of a study The findings of the study suggest a link between diet and memory.
methodology /ˌmeθəˈdɒlədʒi/ n	the set of methods used in a particular area of study Critics questioned the methodology used in the survey.
peer review /ˌpɪə rɪˈvjuː/ n	the checking of research by other experts before it is published All papers must pass peer review before they appear in the journal.
discovery /dɪˈskʌvəri/ n	the act of finding something that was not known before The discovery of penicillin saved millions of lives.
genetic /dʒəˈnetɪk/ adj	connected with genes or the way characteristics pass from parents to children Some diseases are caused by genetic factors rather than lifestyle.
cloning /ˈkləʊnɪŋ/ n	the process of producing an exact genetic copy of a plant or animal Human cloning raises serious ethical and religious concerns.
ethical /ˈeθɪkl/ adj	connected with beliefs about what is morally right and wrong Scientists must consider the ethical implications of their research.
theoretical /ˌθɪəˈretɪkl/ adj	based on ideas rather than practical experience The course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory work.
analyse /ˈænəlaɪz/ v	to examine something in detail to understand it Computers can now analyse huge amounts of data in seconds.
variable /ˈveəriəbl/ n	a factor that can change and affect the result of an experiment The study controlled for variables such as age, income and education.
verify /ˈverɪfaɪ/ v	to check or prove that something is true or correct Other scientists have not yet been able to verify these results.
replicate /ˈreplɪkeɪt/ v	to repeat an experiment and get the same results If an experiment cannot be replicated, its conclusions are unreliable.
funding /ˈfʌndɪŋ/ n	money provided by a government or organisation for a purpose Space programmes receive far more funding than medical research in some countries.
pioneer /ˌpaɪəˈnɪə(r)/ n	one of the first people to do or develop something new She was a pioneer in the field of computer science.
rigorous /ˈrɪɡərəs/ adj	done very carefully and with great attention to detail New medicines must go through rigorous testing before they are approved.