Core Principles of Science

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Questions and Answers

Which core principle of science emphasizes the need for theories to be disprovable through testing?

  • Empirical evidence
  • Falsifiability (correct)
  • Reproducibility
  • Objectivity

A researcher observes an unexpected result during an experiment. According to the scientific method, what should be their next step?

  • Adjust the hypothesis to fit the observed result.
  • Immediately publish the results to establish priority.
  • Re-evaluate the experimental design and repeat the experiment. (correct)
  • Ignore the result if it contradicts the initial hypothesis.

Which branch of science is primarily concerned with the study of matter, energy, and their interactions?

  • Earth science
  • Physics (correct)
  • Chemistry
  • Biology

Which of the following best describes the relationship between scientific theories and scientific laws?

<p>Theories explain <em>why</em> something occurs, while laws describe <em>what</em> occurs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of scientific research, what is the primary purpose of ensuring reproducibility?

<p>To verify the reliability and validity of results. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A social scientist is conducting research on voting patterns. Which branch of social science is most relevant to this study?

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

In a study, researchers aim to minimize bias in their observations and interpretations. Which core principle of science are they upholding?

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

Which of the following examples illustrates the application of empirical evidence in scientific research?

<p>Collecting and analyzing measurable data through experimentation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is preparing to publish findings on a new drug trial. Which action best demonstrates integrity in scientific communication?

<p>Disclosing all funding sources and potential conflicts of interest related to the research. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In an experiment testing the effectiveness of a new fertilizer, a scientist uses only one type of plant. What aspect of scientific ethics is most directly compromised by this limited scope?

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

Which scenario exemplifies the application of science policy?

<p>A government agency using scientific research to set air quality standards. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A study aims to determine the average height of students. Which type of data is being collected?

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

Which of the units listed is NOT a base unit in the International System of Units (SI)?

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

A researcher observes the behavior of lions in their natural habitat, recording detailed descriptions of their social interactions but no numerical data. What type of data is being primarily collected?

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

Why is it important for scientists to use clear, concise, and objective language in scientific writing?

<p>To minimize ambiguity and ensure accurate communication of research findings. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tool would be most appropriate for observing the movement of chromosomes during cell division?

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

Which concept is central to understanding how traits are passed from parents to offspring?

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

Which of the following best describes the focus of thermodynamics?

<p>The relationship between heat and other forms of energy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Science?

A systematic approach to understanding the world through observation, experiments, and analysis.

Objectivity

Minimizing bias when observing and interpreting data.

Empirical Evidence

Relying on data that can be observed or measured.

Skepticism

Questioning claims and demanding rigorous support.

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Reproducibility

Repeating experiments to verify results.

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Falsifiability

A scientific idea should be able to be proven wrong.

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Hypothesis

A testable explanation for a phenomenon.

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Scientific Theories

Explanations of the natural world, supported by facts, laws, and tested hypotheses.

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SI Units

The standard system of units used in science, based on seven base units.

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Quantitative Data

Numerical data that can be measured.

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Qualitative Data

Descriptive data that involves observations.

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Peer-Reviewed Journals

Journals where research is reviewed by experts before publication.

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Integrity in Research

Honesty and transparency in conducting research.

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Mechanics (Physics)

Studies motion and forces.

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Atoms

Basic units of matter.

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Cells

The fundamental units of life.

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Genetics

The study of heredity and variation in organisms.

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Evolution

Explains the diversity of life through natural selection.

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Study Notes

  • Science is a systematic and organized approach to understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Core Principles of Science

  • Objectivity is a key principle, aiming to minimize bias in observation and interpretation.
  • Empirical evidence is essential, relying on tangible data that can be observed or measured.
  • Skepticism involves questioning claims and conclusions, demanding rigorous support before acceptance.
  • Reproducibility requires that experiments or studies can be repeated to verify results.
  • Falsifiability posits that scientific theories should be framed in a way that they can be proven wrong.

Scientific Method

  • Observation involves noticing phenomena and asking questions.
  • Hypothesis formulation consists of developing a testable explanation.
  • Experimentation is performing controlled tests to gather data.
  • Analysis entails interpreting data to determine if it supports the hypothesis.
  • Conclusion involves accepting or rejecting the hypothesis based on the analysis, potentially leading to new questions or hypotheses.
  • Iteration is a repetitive process where the conclusions from one experiment inform the design of future experiments.

Branches of Science

  • Natural sciences study the physical world.
  • Physics examines matter, energy, and their interactions.
  • Chemistry studies the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter.
  • Biology explores living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution
  • Earth science studies the Earth's structure, properties, processes, and four and a half billion years of biotic evolution
  • Social sciences study human society and social relationships.
  • Psychology explores the human mind and behavior.
  • Sociology examines social behavior, institutions, and structures.
  • Economics studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
  • Political science analyzes political systems, behavior, and policies.
  • Formal sciences use formal systems to generate knowledge.
  • Mathematics studies numbers, quantities, structure, space, and change.
  • Logic explores the principles of valid reasoning and inference.
  • Computer science deals with the theory and application of computation and computer systems.

Scientific Theories and Laws

  • Scientific theories are well-substantiated explanations of some aspect of the natural world that can incorporate facts, laws, inferences, and tested hypotheses.
  • Scientific laws are descriptive statements or equations that predict specific phenomena under certain conditions.

Measurement and Units

  • The International System of Units (SI) is the modern form of the metric system and is the most widely used system of measurement.
  • Key SI base units include 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.

Data Collection and Analysis

  • Quantitative data involves numerical measurements.
  • Qualitative data includes descriptive observations.
  • Statistical analysis is used to identify patterns and relationships in data.
  • Graphs and charts are used to visualize data and communicate findings.

Scientific Communication

  • Peer-reviewed journals are used to disseminate research findings to the scientific community.
  • Conferences provide a platform for scientists to share their work and engage in discussions.
  • Scientific writing should employ clear, concise, and objective language.

Ethics in Science

  • Integrity involves honesty and transparency in research.
  • Objectivity entails minimizing bias in data collection and interpretation.
  • Conflict of interest management requires disclosing potential conflicts that could influence research.
  • Responsible conduct of research includes adhering to ethical guidelines and regulations.
  • Animal welfare ensures the humane treatment of animals used in research.
  • Informed consent requires obtaining voluntary agreement from human subjects before participation in research.

Tools and Technologies in Science

  • Microscopes are used to visualize small objects and structures.
  • Telescopes are used to observe distant objects in space.
  • Spectrometers analyze the properties of light.
  • Particle accelerators are used to study the fundamental constituents of matter.
  • Computers are used for data analysis, modeling, and simulation.

Science in Society

  • Science education promotes scientific literacy and critical thinking skills.
  • Public understanding of science enables informed decision-making on scientific issues.
  • Science policy addresses the role of science in informing public policy.
  • Technological advancements driven by science impact society in numerous ways.

Key Concepts in Physics

  • Mechanics studies motion and forces.
  • Thermodynamics deals with heat and energy.
  • Electromagnetism explores electric and magnetic phenomena.
  • Optics studies the behavior of light.
  • Quantum mechanics examines the behavior of matter at the atomic and subatomic levels.
  • Relativity explains the relationship between space, time, gravity, and the universe at large scales.

Key Concepts in Chemistry

  • Atoms are the basic units of matter.
  • Molecules are formed by the bonding of atoms.
  • Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms and molecules.
  • The periodic table organizes elements based on their properties.
  • Acids and bases are chemical compounds with distinct properties.
  • Organic chemistry studies carbon-containing compounds.

Key Concepts in Biology

  • Cells are the fundamental units of life.
  • Genetics studies heredity and variation in organisms.
  • Evolution explains the diversity of life through natural selection.
  • Ecology examines the interactions between organisms and their environment.
  • Physiology studies the functions of living organisms and their parts.
  • Anatomy studies the structure of living organisms.

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