Questions and Answers
Which branch of science focuses on the physical world?
What is the first step of the scientific method?
Which characteristic of science indicates that scientific knowledge is subject to change?
What is a hypothesis in the context of the scientific method?
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Which of the following is NOT a branch of science?
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What does it mean for a hypothesis to be falsifiable?
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What role do variables play in an experiment?
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Which of the following is an ethical consideration in scientific research?
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Study Notes
Definition
- Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.
Branches of Science
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Natural Sciences
- Focus on the physical world.
- Includes Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, and Astronomy.
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Formal Sciences
- Deal with abstract concepts.
- Includes Mathematics, Logic, and Statistics.
-
Social Sciences
- Study human behavior and societies.
- Includes Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, and Economics.
Scientific Method
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Observation
- Gathering data and noticing phenomena.
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Question
- Formulating questions based on observations.
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Hypothesis
- Proposing a testable explanation.
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Experimentation
- Conducting experiments to test the hypothesis.
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Analysis
- Analyzing data to draw conclusions.
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Conclusion
- Determining whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected.
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Replication
- Repeating experiments to verify results.
Characteristics of Science
- Empirical: Based on observable and measurable evidence.
- Tentative: Scientific knowledge is subject to revision.
- Falsifiable: Hypotheses must be testable and potentially disproven.
- Objective: Minimizes bias and personal beliefs.
Importance of Science
- Advances technology and medicine.
- Enhances understanding of natural phenomena.
- Provides solutions to environmental and societal problems.
- Promotes critical thinking and skepticism.
Key Concepts
- Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.
- Law: A statement that describes an observable occurrence, often expressed mathematically.
- Experiment: A procedure to test hypotheses under controlled conditions.
- Variable: Factors that can change in an experiment (Independent, Dependent, Controlled).
Ethical Considerations
- Importance of integrity and honesty in research.
- Ethical treatment of human and animal subjects.
- Responsibility to communicate findings accurately.
Definition of Science
- Systematic enterprise that organizes knowledge through testable explanations and predictions about the universe.
Branches of Science
-
Natural Sciences: Concentrate on the physical world; includes:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Earth Science
- Astronomy
-
Formal Sciences: Focus on abstract concepts; includes:
- Mathematics
- Logic
- Statistics
-
Social Sciences: Examine human behavior and societies; includes:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Economics
Scientific Method
- Observation: Collecting data and observing phenomena.
- Question: Developing inquiries based on initial observations.
- Hypothesis: Suggesting a testable explanation for the phenomena.
- Experimentation: Executing experiments to validate the hypothesis.
- Analysis: Interpreting data to reach conclusions.
- Conclusion: Assessing if the hypothesis is supported or refuted.
- Replication: Repeating experiments to ensure reliability of results.
Characteristics of Science
- Empirical: Relies on observable and quantifiable evidence.
- Tentative: Knowledge is open to change with new discoveries.
- Falsifiable: Hypotheses must be able to be tested and potentially disproven.
- Objective: Strives to minimize personal bias and beliefs in findings.
Importance of Science
- Drives advancements in technology and medical fields.
- Enhances comprehension of natural processes and phenomena.
- Offers solutions to environmental and societal challenges.
- Encourages critical thinking and skeptical analysis of information.
Key Concepts
- Theory: A comprehensive explanation of natural phenomena, supported by extensive evidence.
- Law: A concise statement describing observable occurrences, often mathematically expressed.
- Experiment: A systematic procedure conducted to test hypotheses under regulated conditions.
-
Variable: Elements that can vary in experiments, categorized as:
- Independent: Manipulated factor
- Dependent: Measured response
- Controlled: Constants maintained throughout the experiment
Ethical Considerations
- Emphasizes the necessity of integrity and honesty in scientific research.
- Advocates for the ethical treatment of human and animal subjects.
- Highlights the responsibility to report findings accurately and transparently.
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Description
Explore the fundamental principles of science, including its definition and various branches such as natural, formal, and social sciences. This quiz will also cover the scientific method and its steps, from observation to conclusion. Test your knowledge of what makes science a systematic enterprise.
