Core Principles of Science

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of science?

  • To create new technologies.
  • To develop personal opinions.
  • To understand the natural world. (correct)
  • To prove pre-existing beliefs.

Which of the following is a core principle of science?

  • Authority
  • Objectivity (correct)
  • Subjectivity
  • Speculation

Science relies heavily on what type of evidence?

  • Traditional
  • Anecdotal
  • Theoretical
  • Empirical (correct)

Which step is typically the first in the scientific method?

<p>Observation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of formulating a hypothesis?

<p>To develop a testable explanation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of a natural science?

<p>Physics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which field involves the study of human society and social behavior?

<p>Sociology (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do formal sciences primarily use to generate knowledge?

<p>Formal systems (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a scientific theory?

<p>A well-substantiated explanation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a scientific law describe?

<p>What happens (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard system of measurement used in science called?

<p>SI Units (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for how close a measurement is to the true value?

<p>Accuracy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a tool commonly used in science?

<p>Microscope (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In an experiment, what is the manipulated variable called?

<p>Independent variable (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should scientists do with their data and methods?

<p>Share them openly (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes known as?

<p>Technology (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Before being published, scientific papers are typically evaluated by other experts through a process called:

<p>Peer review (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a pseudoscience?

<p>Astrology (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is interdisciplinary research?

<p>Collaboration between different fields (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does STEM education stand for?

<p>Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Science?

A systematic approach to understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and theoretical explanation.

Objectivity

Striving for unbiased observation and interpretation of data.

Empiricism

Basing knowledge on empirical evidence gathered through observation and experimentation.

Skepticism

Subjecting scientific claims to critical evaluation and scrutiny.

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Falsifiability

The capability of a scientific statement to be proven false.

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Reproducibility

Experiments and observations should be reproducible by other scientists.

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Observation

Identifying a phenomenon or question.

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Hypothesis Formulation

Developing a testable explanation for a phenomenon.

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Experimentation

Designing and conducting tests to verify predictions.

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Scientific Theory

A well-substantiated explanation incorporating facts, laws, and tested hypotheses.

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Scientific Law

A statement that reliably predicts events.

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Units

Standard quantities for measurements, like meters for length.

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Accuracy

How close a measurement is to the actual value.

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Precision

How close repeated measurements are to each other.

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Independent Variable

The variable manipulated by the researcher.

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Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured and expected to change.

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Pseudoscience

Practices claiming to be scientific but lacking empirical evidence and testability.

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Scientific Paper

Formal written reports describing original research, including sections like Abstract, Methods, Results, etc.

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Interdisciplinary Research

Collaboration across distinct scientific fields to solve complex problems.

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Peer Review

Evaluation of scientific papers by experts before publication.

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Study Notes

  • Science constitutes a systematic and organized method for deciphering the natural world and its observable phenomena.
  • It integrates observation, experimentation, and theoretical frameworks.
  • Science hinges on evidence and aims to formulate verifiable explanations and predictions.

Core Principles of Science

  • Objectivity in science involves striving for unbiased observation and data interpretation, diminishing personal prejudices.
  • Empiricism in science denotes that scientific knowledge is rooted in empirical evidence acquired through observation and experimentation.
  • Skepticism means that scientific claims undergo scrutiny and critical assessment.
  • Testability means scientific hypotheses and theories should be amenable to testing via experimentation or observation.
  • Falsifiability indicates a scientific statement must have the capacity to be proven incorrect.
  • Reproducibility requires experiments and observations should be reproducible by other scientists.

Scientific Method

  • Observation involves pinpointing a phenomenon or inquiry.
  • Hypothesis Formulation involves creating a testable explanation for the phenomenon.
  • Prediction means deriving specific consequences or outcomes from the hypothesis.
  • Experimentation involves designing and performing experiments to assess predictions.
  • Analysis means scrutinizing the data amassed during the experiment.
  • Conclusion involves interpreting the results and ascertaining whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted.
  • Communication involves disseminating the findings with the scientific community via publications and presentations.

Branches of Science

  • Natural Sciences are concerned with studying the physical universe and its phenomena.
    • Physics encompasses the study of fundamental laws and principles overseeing matter, energy, space, and time.
    • Chemistry involves studying the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter.
    • Biology pertains to the study of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution patterns.
    • Astronomy encompasses the study of celestial objects, space, and the physical universe.
    • Earth Science involves studying the Earth's structure, composition, processes, and historical timeline.
  • Social Sciences focus on the study of human society and social conduct.
    • Sociology examines social relationships, institutions, and structures.
    • Psychology involves studying the human mind and behavior.
    • Economics pertains to the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
    • Anthropology involves studying human societies and cultures alongside their developmental trajectory.
    • Political Science examines political systems, behavior, and institutions.
  • Formal Sciences employ formal systems with the purpose of generating knowledge.
    • Mathematics involves studying abstract structures, relationships, and patterns.
    • Logic involves studying the cornerstone principles of sound reasoning and argumentation.
    • Computer Science is dedicated to studying computation and information processing.

Scientific Theories and Laws

  • Scientific Theory constitutes a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world integrating facts, laws, inferences, and tested hypotheses.
  • Scientific Law constitutes a descriptive statement or equation reliably predicting events under particular conditions.
  • Theories elucidate why an event transpires, whereas laws delineate what transpires.

Measurement in Science

  • Units denote standard quantities utilized to articulate measurements.
    • SI Units, or the International System of Units, represent a standardized measurement system employed in science, encompassing meter (m) for length, kilogram (kg) for mass, second (s) for time, ampere (A) for electric current, kelvin (K) for temperature, mole (mol) for amount of substance, and candela (cd) for luminous intensity.
  • Accuracy denotes the proximity of a measurement to the true value.
  • Precision denotes the proximity of repeated measurements to each other.
  • Significant Figures denote digits in a measurement conveying meaningful information regarding its precision.

Data Analysis

  • Statistics constitutes a branch of mathematics addressing the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organization of data.
  • Descriptive Statistics summarize and delineate the salient features of a dataset.
  • Inferential Statistics draw conclusions and formulate inferences extending beyond the immediate data.
  • Variables denote quantities or qualities capable of variation and measurement in scientific studies.
    • Independent Variable constitutes the variable manipulated or altered by the researcher.
    • Dependent Variable is the variable gauged or observed and anticipated to change contingent upon the independent variable.
    • Control Variables are variables maintained as constant throughout the experiment.

Tools and Technology in Science

  • Microscopes are employed to scrutinize small objects or structures.
  • Telescopes are employed to observe remote objects in space.
  • Spectrometers are employed to analyze the properties of light and matter.
  • Particle Accelerators are employed to study the fundamental building blocks of matter.
  • Computers are employed for data analysis, modeling, and simulation purposes.
  • Laboratory Equipment encompasses an array of tools and instruments utilized to conduct experiments and gather data.

Ethics in Science

  • Integrity mandates scientists uphold honesty and transparency in their research endeavors.
  • Objectivity requires scientists to minimize bias in their research undertakings.
  • Openness requires scientists to disseminate their data and methods within the scientific community.
  • Credit requires scientists to appropriately acknowledge the work of others.
  • Social Responsibility requires scientists to deliberate on the potential ramifications of their research.

Science and Society

  • Technology denotes the utilization of scientific knowledge for practical objectives.
  • Innovation embodies the creation of novel products, processes, and technologies underpinned by scientific research.
  • Public Policy is informed by scientific evidence to confront societal challenges.
  • Education in science fosters critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Health benefits from scientific advancements, fostering improved healthcare and disease prevention strategies.
  • Environment benefits from science by better comprehending and addressing environmental concerns.

Scientific Communication

  • Scientific Papers are formal written reports delineating original research.
    • Abstract constitutes a succinct synopsis of the paper.
    • Introduction furnishes background information and articulates the research question motivating the study.
    • Methods delineates the conduct of the research.
    • Results presents the findings derived from the research endeavor.
    • Discussion interprets the results and deliberates on their implications.
    • Conclusion encapsulates the key findings and proposes avenues for future research.
  • Conferences are events where scientists showcase their research and exchange ideas.
  • Scientific Journals are periodicals wherein scientific papers are published.
  • Peer Review is a procedure entailing the evaluation of scientific papers by experts in the field prior to publication.

Pseudoscience

  • Pseudoscience encompasses practices or beliefs purporting to be scientific but lacking adherence to the scientific method.
  • Frequently, it lacks empirical substantiation and is either untestable or unfalsifiable.
  • Examples encompass astrology, homeopathy, and specific conspiracy theories.

Future of Science

  • Interdisciplinary Research entails collaboration among diverse scientific disciplines to grapple with multifaceted problems.
  • Emerging Technologies denote progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and biotechnology.
  • Global Challenges involve leveraging science to address pressing issues, including climate change, food security, and public health crises.
  • Science Education is aimed at enhancing science literacy and promoting STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

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