Technology and the Diversity of Limits

Teacher Resources
Student Resources
Glossary

A

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

A law that made it illegal to discriminate against any person with a disability. It was enacted in 1990.

B

C

constraint

Limits or restrictions that are placed on an object or idea.

control

In a scientific investigation, it is used to compare to the tests. The factors in the control are kept the same as in the experiment, except the independent variable does not change. Not all investigations have a control.

criteria

Goals that are used to design or judge products. The singular is criterion.

D

dependent variable

In a scientific investigation, the variable that changes depending on the other variables. Typically, you cannot predict with accuracy how the dependent variable will change. A dependent variable is sometimes called the responding variable.

disability

Any kind of condition that limits what a person can do.

E

engineer

A person who uses the process of technology to help people solve problems. Engineers develop tools and other objects to extend human limits. There are many types of engineers.

engineering

A branch of science and technology that is concerned with designing and building objects to help people solve problems.

ergonomics

A branch of science that is concerned with designing and arranging things people use. It helps people interact with their technologies safely and efficiently.

F

G

H

human factor

Characteristics of humans that may affect a design or product. The characteristic could be a mental or physical ability, or it could be a preference that people have.

I

independent variable

In a scientific investigation, the variable that you change to see the results. An independent variable is sometimes called the manipulated variable.

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

placebo

A pill or liquid used in a controlled experiment that does not contain the drug being tested. A placebo serves as a control.

Q

R

S

T

technology

The process that helps people solve problems. Technologies extend human limits to help people solve problems.

U

V

variable

A factor, or quantity, in a scientific investigation that can change. A variable can be manipulated, or it can remain the same, during a scientific investigation.