Definition and Branches of Science

Study Notes

Definition of Science

Systematic study of the natural world.
Involves observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences: Study of natural phenomena.
- Physics: Study of matter, energy, and their interactions.
- Chemistry: Study of substances, their properties, and reactions.
- Biology: Study of living organisms and life processes.
- Earth Science: Study of the Earth, including geology, meteorology, and oceanography.
Formal Sciences: Study of abstract concepts.
- Mathematics: Study of numbers, quantities, and shapes.
- Logic: Study of reasoning and argumentation.
- Computer Science: Study of algorithms, data structures, and computational processes.
Social Sciences: Study of human behavior and societies.
- Psychology: Study of mind and behavior.
- Sociology: Study of social behavior and society.
- Economics: Study of production, consumption, and distribution of goods.

Scientific Method

Observation: Gathering information through the senses.
Hypothesis: Formulating a testable explanation.
Experimentation: Conducting controlled tests to validate or refute the hypothesis.
Analysis: Interpreting data collected from experiments.
Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on analysis; may lead to new hypotheses.

Characteristics of Science

Empirical: Based on observed and measured phenomena.
Repeatable: Experiments must yield consistent results when repeated.
Falsifiable: Hypotheses must be testable and capable of being disproven.
Progressive: Builds upon previous knowledge and is self-correcting.

Importance of Science

Advances technology and medicine.
Informs policy decisions and societal advancements.
Enhances understanding of the universe and our place in it.
Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Definition of Science

Systematic study aimed at understanding the natural world.
Utilizes observation, experimentation, and analysis as foundational methods.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences: Concerned with natural phenomena and the laws governing them.
- Physics: Focuses on matter, energy, and their interactions.
- Chemistry: Examines substances, their properties, and chemical reactions.
- Biology: Investigates living organisms and their life processes.
- Earth Science: Studies the planet's physical characteristics, including geology, meteorology, and oceanography.
Formal Sciences: Deals with abstract concepts rather than empirical data.
- Mathematics: Explores numbers, quantities, shapes, and their relationships.
- Logic: Investigates principles of valid reasoning and argumentation.
- Computer Science: Studies algorithms, data structures, and computational processes.
Social Sciences: Analyzes human behavior and societal structures.
- Psychology: Focuses on mental processes and behavior.
- Sociology: Studies social relationships and societal structures.
- Economics: Investigates the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Scientific Method

Observation: Collecting information through sensory experiences.
Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation for observed phenomena.
Experimentation: Conducting controlled tests to either support or challenge the hypothesis.
Analysis: Interpreting results and data derived from experiments.
Conclusion: Drawing inferences from the analysis which may inspire further hypothesis generation.

Characteristics of Science

Empirical: Relies on data and phenomena that can be observed and measured.
Repeatable: Requires experiments to produce consistent results when repeated under the same conditions.
Falsifiable: Hypotheses must be capable of being tested and potentially disproven.
Progressive: Evolves by building on prior knowledge and self-correcting through new findings.

Importance of Science

Drives advancements in technology and medicine.
Informs policy-making and contributes to societal progress.
Deepens our understanding of the universe and humanity's role within it.
Encourages critical thinking and enhances problem-solving skills.

Description

Explore the systematic study of the natural world through this quiz on the definition and various branches of science. Covering natural, formal, and social sciences, test your knowledge on key concepts and fields like physics, chemistry, biology, and more.