Branches of Science and Scientific Method

Study Notes

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences:
- Study of natural phenomena and laws of nature
- Includes biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences
Formal Sciences:
- Focus on abstract structures and formal systems
- Includes mathematics, logic, and computer science
Applied Sciences:
- Practical application of scientific knowledge
- Includes engineering, medicine, and technology

Scientific Method

Observation: Identify a problem or phenomenon
Hypothesis: Formulate a testable explanation
Prediction: Make a forecast based on the hypothesis
Experimentation: Design and conduct experiments to test the hypothesis
Analysis: Interpret data and draw conclusions
Conclusion: Accept, reject, or modify the hypothesis

Key Scientific Concepts

Theories: Well-substantiated explanations for a set of phenomena
Hypotheses: Testable predictions based on a theory
Laws: Descriptive statements of natural phenomena
Variables: Factors that can be changed or controlled in an experiment
Control Groups: Groups used as a standard of comparison in an experiment
Empiricism: The idea that knowledge comes from sense experience and observation

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences study natural phenomena and laws of nature, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences.
Formal Sciences focus on abstract structures and formal systems, including mathematics, logic, and computer science.
Applied Sciences involve the practical application of scientific knowledge, including engineering, medicine, and technology.

Scientific Method

Observation: Identify a problem or phenomenon, which is the first step in the scientific method.
Hypothesis: Formulate a testable explanation, which is a prediction based on limited data.
Prediction: Make a forecast based on the hypothesis, which is a specific and measurable outcome.
Experimentation: Design and conduct experiments to test the hypothesis, which involves data collection and analysis.
Analysis: Interpret data and draw conclusions, which involves identifying patterns and trends.
Conclusion: Accept, reject, or modify the hypothesis, which is the final step in the scientific method.

Key Scientific Concepts

Theories: Well-substantiated explanations for a set of phenomena, which are based on a large amount of data and evidence.
Hypotheses: Testable predictions based on a theory, which are used to make predictions and forecast outcomes.
Laws: Descriptive statements of natural phenomena, which are based on consistent patterns and observations.
Variables: Factors that can be changed or controlled in an experiment, which are used to test hypotheses and identify cause-and-effect relationships.
Control Groups: Groups used as a standard of comparison in an experiment, which are used to provide a baseline for measuring the effect of a variable.
Empiricism: The idea that knowledge comes from sense experience and observation, which is a fundamental principle of scientific inquiry.

Description

Learn about the different branches of science, including natural sciences, formal sciences, and applied sciences. Also, understand the steps of the scientific method, from observation to hypothesis testing.