Branches of Basic Science

Branches of Basic Science

• Natural Sciences:
  • Study of natural phenomena and laws of nature
  • Includes:
    • Physics: study of matter, energy, and fundamental laws of the universe
    • Chemistry: study of composition, properties, and reactions of matter
    • Biology: study of living organisms and their interactions
• Formal Sciences:
  • Study of formal systems, languages, and structures
  • Includes:
    • Mathematics: study of numbers, quantities, and shapes
    • Logic: study of reasoning, argumentation, and inference
    • Computer Science: study of computation, algorithms, and information processing

Key Concepts

• Scientific Method:
  • Systematic process for developing and testing scientific knowledge
  • Involves:
    • Observation
    • Hypothesis
    • Prediction
    • Experimentation
    • Analysis
    • Conclusion
• Theories and Laws:
  • Theories: well-substantiated explanations for a set of phenomena
  • Laws: concise, mathematical descriptions of natural phenomena
• Measurement and Units:
  • Importance of precise measurements in scientific research
  • Use of standardized units (e.g. SI units) to ensure consistency and accuracy

Key Principles

• Objectivity: scientific knowledge should be based on empirical evidence and unbiased observation
• Empiricism: scientific knowledge should be derived from sensory experience and observation
• Rationalism: scientific knowledge should be based on reason and logical inference
• ** Parsimony**: scientific theories should be as simple as possible, while still explaining the data

Branches of Basic Science

• Natural Sciences study natural phenomena and laws of nature
• Includes Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
• Physics is the study of matter, energy, and fundamental laws of the universe
• Chemistry is the study of composition, properties, and reactions of matter
• Biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions
• Formal Sciences study formal systems, languages, and structures
• Includes Mathematics, Logic, and Computer Science
• Mathematics is the study of numbers, quantities, and shapes
• Logic is the study of reasoning, argumentation, and inference
• Computer Science is the study of computation, algorithms, and information processing

Key Concepts

Scientific Method

• Is a systematic process for developing and testing scientific knowledge
• Involves observation, hypothesis, prediction, experimentation, analysis, and conclusion

Theories and Laws

• Theories are well-substantiated explanations for a set of phenomena
• Laws are concise, mathematical descriptions of natural phenomena

Measurement and Units

• Precise measurements are important in scientific research
• Standardized units (e.g. SI units) are used to ensure consistency and accuracy

Key Principles

• Objectivity: scientific knowledge should be based on empirical evidence and unbiased observation
• Empiricism: scientific knowledge should be derived from sensory experience and observation
• Rationalism: scientific knowledge should be based on reason and logical inference
• Parsimony: scientific theories should be as simple as possible, while still explaining the data

Hypothesis

• A hypothesis is a proposed explanation or assumption made to explain a phenomenon or solve a problem.

Key Characteristics

• A hypothesis must be testable to prove or disprove it through experimentation or observation.
• A hypothesis should be specific, clearly and concisely stating what is expected to happen.
• A hypothesis must be falsifiable, able to be proven wrong.
• A hypothesis should be simple, concise, and easy to understand.

Types of Hypotheses

• Null Hypothesis: states there is no significant difference or relationship between variables.
• Alternative Hypothesis: states there is a significant difference or relationship between variables.

Steps in Hypothesis Formation

• Make an observation: identify a phenomenon or problem that sparks curiosity.
• Ask a question: formulate a question based on the observation.
• Research: gather information and review existing knowledge related to the question.
• Formulate a hypothesis: propose a possible explanation or solution based on research.

Importance of Hypotheses

• Guides experimentation: provides direction for experimentation and data collection.
• Provides a framework: helps organize and structure research.
• Encourages critical thinking: promotes critical thinking and analysis.

Common Errors

• Confusing a hypothesis with a theory: a hypothesis is a specific, testable statement, whereas a theory is a broader explanation that has been extensively tested and supported.
• Failing to test the null hypothesis: the null hypothesis should be tested and proven wrong before accepting the alternative hypothesis.