Scientific Research Methods

verb to estimate or conclude something by extending or projecting known information

• The researchers extrapolated the data to predict future trends.
• I extrapolated from the information given that the project will be completed on time.
• I totally extrapolated that she was into him based on how she was acting.
• He extrapolated the story of his childhood to illustrate a larger point about resilience.

verb to carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of a situation

• The police will investigate the crime scene thoroughly to gather evidence.
• I heard that the detectives are going to investigate the robbery at the convenience store.
• Yo, did you see that video of the guy trying to investigate the strange noise in his house?
• As a scientist, I always strive to investigate the mysteries of the universe.

noun an artist's first piece of work before it is copied or reproduced

adjective relating to or belonging to the origin or beginning of something

• The artist's original masterpiece was on display at the museum.
• I love the original version of that song, it's the best.
• That movie was so cool, it was totally OG.
• She always has such original ideas, she's a true creative genius.

verb to prevent something from happening; to make something impossible

• The strict regulations are precluding any unauthorized access to the sensitive data.
• The rules are precluding us from entering the restricted area.
• The new policy is totally precluding us from having any fun.
• Her fear of failure is precluding her from taking any risks in her career.

adjective describing something that occurs twice a year

adverb in a way that occurs twice a year

• The company conducts semiyearly performance reviews to assess employee progress.
• We have semiyearly team meetings to discuss our goals and objectives.
• I hate those semiyearly check-ins with my boss, they're so boring.
• The changing of the seasons can be seen as a semiyearly reminder of the passage of time.

noun a way of filming or showing action that makes it seem to happen more slowly than it really did

adjective moving or happening with less speed than usual

• The scientist analyzed the movement of the particles in slow motion to observe their behavior more clearly.
• I love watching videos of skateboard tricks in slow motion, it's so cool!
• That fight scene in the movie looked sick in slow motion!
• Time seemed to move in slow motion as she waited for the test results.

noun A branch of biology that deals with the study of life in the universe, including its origin and evolution.

• Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe, including its origins and potential for existence beyond Earth.
• I find astrobiology fascinating because it explores the possibility of life on other planets.
• Some people think astrobiology is just a bunch of space mumbo jumbo, but I think it's really cool.
• Exploring the depths of astrobiology is like unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos.

noun A person who has completed their doctoral degree and is engaged in advanced research or study

• After completing his PhD, he decided to pursue a postdoc position at a prestigious research institution.
• She's currently doing a postdoc at the university before looking for a permanent job.
• I heard he's grinding away at his postdoc, trying to publish as many papers as possible.
• Embarking on a postdoc is like entering a new chapter in your academic journey.

noun a person who studies reptiles and amphibians

• The herpetologist conducted a study on the behavior of snakes in their natural habitat.
• My friend who is a herpetologist just got back from a research trip to study lizards.
• That guy is a total herpetologist, he's obsessed with reptiles!
• As a herpetologist of human behavior, she could read people like a book.

noun A person who studies dinosaurs and their fossils

• The dinosaurologist carefully studied the fossilized remains of the ancient creatures.
• My friend is a dinosaurologist and he gets to dig up dinosaur bones for a living.
• I heard that dinosaurologists are like real-life Indiana Jones, but with dinosaurs!
• Being a dinosaurologist is like being a detective, piecing together clues from millions of years ago.

noun A scientist who studies fossils to learn about organisms that lived in the past

• The paleontologist carefully excavated the dinosaur fossils from the dig site.
• My friend is studying to become a paleontologist and is obsessed with all things prehistoric.
• Some people think paleontologists just dig up old bones, but it's much more complex than that.
• As a paleontologist of human behavior, she was able to uncover the hidden truths of society.

noun a scientist who studies or advocates for the concept of abiogenesis

• The abiogenist proposed a theory that life could arise from non-living matter.
• The abiogenist is always talking about how life could have started without any help.
• The abiogenist is all about that life from nothing idea.
• Like an abiogenist creating life from scratch, she built her business from the ground up.

noun a technique for recording the paths of radioactive particles or rays by photographing luminescent tracks on a photographic emulsion

• Actinautography is a scientific method used to study the movement of plants.
• Have you heard of actinautography? It's a cool way to see how plants move.
• Actinautography sounds like some fancy plant stuff.
• In a way, actinautography is like taking a plant's selfie to understand its behavior.