Science & Research

Science and research is a topic that appears in IELTS Reading, Writing Task 2 (e.g., "Should governments increase funding for scientific research?"), and Speaking Part 3. You need vocabulary that covers the scientific process, funding and ethics, and specific areas of current scientific interest.

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Core Vocabulary

The Scientific Process

Word / Phrase	Definition	Example
hypothesis (pl. hypotheses)	A proposed explanation to be tested through investigation	The researchers formulated a hypothesis that exercise improves memory.
empirical (adj.)	Based on observation and experiment rather than theory	The conclusions are supported by empirical evidence gathered over ten years.
peer review	Evaluation of research by other experts in the field	Peer review is essential for maintaining the quality and integrity of scientific publications.
methodology	The system of methods used in a study	The methodology of the study has been criticised for its small sample size.
variable	A factor that can change in an experiment	The researchers controlled all variables except the one being tested.
correlation	A statistical relationship between two variables	There is a strong correlation between education level and income.
causation	A cause-and-effect relationship	Correlation does not imply causation — this is a fundamental principle of scientific reasoning.
replicate (v.)	To repeat an experiment to verify results	Other researchers have been unable to replicate the findings.
findings (n., usually plural)	The results of a study or investigation	The findings suggest that regular exercise reduces the risk of depression.

Funding and Policy

Word / Phrase	Definition	Example
research funding	Financial support for scientific studies	Government research funding has declined in real terms over the past decade.
grant	A sum of money given for research purposes	The team received a £2 million grant to study renewable energy storage.
commercialise (v.)	To make a scientific discovery available as a product	It can take decades to commercialise a new scientific discovery.
intellectual property	Legal rights to creations of the mind (patents, copyrights)	Universities increasingly focus on protecting the intellectual property generated by their research.
clinical trial	A study testing a new medical treatment on human subjects	The vaccine underwent rigorous clinical trials before being approved for public use.
peer-reviewed journal	An academic publication where articles are evaluated by experts	The study was published in a prestigious peer-reviewed journal.
open access	Research that is freely available to the public	The open access movement aims to make scientific knowledge available to everyone.

Ethics in Science

Word / Phrase	Definition	Example
ethical (adj.)	Morally acceptable; relating to moral principles	The ethical implications of genetic engineering must be carefully considered.
animal testing	Using animals in experiments	Animal testing remains a controversial practice in scientific research.
genetic engineering	Modifying an organism's DNA to achieve desired traits	Genetic engineering holds enormous potential but also raises profound ethical questions.
stem cell research	Study of cells that can develop into different cell types	Stem cell research could lead to breakthroughs in treating degenerative diseases.
informed consent	Agreement to participate in research after understanding the risks	Informed consent is a fundamental requirement of ethical research involving human subjects.
bias (n.)	Prejudice that distorts research outcomes	Funding from pharmaceutical companies can introduce bias into clinical research.
scientific integrity	Adherence to ethical and professional standards in research	Maintaining scientific integrity is essential for public trust in science.