Introduction to Science

Study Notes

Definition of Science

Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
Utilizes empirical evidence and experimentation.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences
- Study of the natural world.
- Includes physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences.
Formal Sciences
- Concerned with abstract concepts and logical reasoning.
- Includes mathematics, statistics, and computer science.
Social Sciences
- Study of human behavior and societies.
- Includes psychology, sociology, economics, and anthropology.
Applied Sciences
- Practical application of scientific knowledge.
- Includes engineering, medicine, and technology.

Scientific Method

Observation
- Identifying a phenomenon.
Hypothesis
- Formulating a testable explanation.
Experimentation
- Conducting controlled tests to gather data.
Analysis
- Evaluating data to determine if it supports the hypothesis.
Conclusion
- Drawing inferences from experimental results.
Repeat/Publish
- Repeating experiments for verification and sharing findings with the scientific community.

Key Concepts

Theory: A well-substantiated explanation based on a body of evidence.
Law: A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describe some aspects of the universe.
Variables:
- Independent: manipulated to observe effects.
- Dependent: observed to see if it changes in response.
- Control: kept constant to ensure fair testing.

Importance of Science

Enhances understanding of the universe and living organisms.
Drives technological and medical advancements.
Informs public policy and environmental protection.
Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Ethical Considerations

Responsible conduct in research.
Importance of peer review and reproducibility.
Ethical treatment of subjects, including humans and animals.

Ongoing Developments

Interdisciplinary fields like bioinformatics and environmental science.
Evolution of technology changing how scientific research is conducted, e.g., AI, big data.

Definition of Science

Science is a systematic process that accumulates and organizes knowledge about the world.
It relies on empirical evidence and experimentation to test and refine ideas.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences focus on understanding the physical world, including fields like physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences.
Formal Sciences deal with abstract concepts and logical systems, such as mathematics, statistics, and computer science.
Social Sciences explore human behavior and societies, encompassing disciplines like psychology, sociology, economics, and anthropology.
Applied Sciences apply scientific knowledge to practical problems, including fields like engineering, medicine, and technology.

Scientific Method

The scientific method is a structured approach to investigating phenomena. It involves:
- Observation: Identifying a phenomenon of interest.
- Hypothesis: Formulating a testable explanation for the observation.
- Experimentation: Conducting controlled tests to gather data.
- Analysis: Evaluating the data to see if it supports the hypothesis.
- Conclusion: Drawing inferences from the experimental results.
- Repeat/Publish: Repeating experiments for verification and sharing findings with other scientists.

Key Concepts

Theory: A well-supported explanation based on a large body of evidence.
Law: A statement based on repeated observations that describes a pattern in the natural world.
Variables: Factors that can change during an experiment.
- Independent Variable: The factor that is manipulated by the researcher.
- Dependent Variable: The factor that is measured to see if it changes in response to the independent variable.
- Control Variable: Factors that are kept constant to ensure a fair test.

Importance of Science

Science expands our understanding of the universe and the living organisms within it.
It drives advancements in technology and medicine, improving our quality of life.
Scientific knowledge informs public policies and environmental protection efforts.
Science promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential for navigating complex issues.

Ethical Considerations

Scientists are expected to conduct research responsibly, adhering to ethical guidelines.
Peer review and reproducibility are crucial for ensuring the validity and reliability of scientific findings.
Ethical treatment of research subjects, including humans and animals, is paramount.

Ongoing Developments

Interdisciplinary fields, like bioinformatics and environmental science, are emerging as scientific disciplines become increasingly interconnected.
Technological advancements, such as AI and big data, are revolutionizing how scientific research is conducted.

Description

This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of science, including its definition, branches, and the scientific method. You will explore concepts related to natural, formal, social, and applied sciences, as well as the steps involved in scientific inquiry. Test your knowledge of how science builds and organizes information about our world.