Introduction to Science and its Branches

Study Notes

Definition of Science

Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
Involves observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences
- Study of natural phenomena (e.g., physics, chemistry, biology).
Formal Sciences
- Study of abstract concepts (e.g., mathematics, logic).
Social Sciences
- Study of societies and human behavior (e.g., psychology, sociology).
Applied Sciences
- Practical application of scientific knowledge (e.g., engineering, medicine).

Scientific Method

Observation
- Gathering data through sensory experience.
Question
- Formulating questions based on observations.
Hypothesis
- Creating a testable prediction.
Experimentation
- Testing the hypothesis through controlled experiments.
Analysis
- Analyzing data to determine if it supports the hypothesis.
Conclusion
- Drawing conclusions and reporting findings.

Key Concepts

Theory: Well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.
Law: Statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes some aspect of the universe.
Variable: Any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types.

Importance of Science

Advances understanding of the natural world.
Drives technological and medical innovation.
Informs policy and societal decision-making.

Ethical Considerations

Responsible conduct in research.
Consideration of the societal impact of scientific findings.
Importance of peer review and reproducibility.

Interdisciplinary Nature

Science often overlaps with technology and engineering.
Collaboration across different scientific fields is common for problem-solving.

Definition of Science

A systematic enterprise aimed at building and organizing knowledge.
Relies on observation, experimentation, and analysis for knowledge acquisition.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences: Investigate natural phenomena; includes disciplines like physics, chemistry, and biology.
Formal Sciences: Focus on abstract concepts; relevant fields include mathematics and logic.
Social Sciences: Examine societies and human behavior; encompasses psychology and sociology.
Applied Sciences: Utilize scientific principles for practical applications; includes engineering and medicine.

Scientific Method

Observation: Initial stage of data collection using sensory experiences.
Question: Develops inquiries based on observations made.
Hypothesis: Formulates a testable prediction to address the posed question.
Experimentation: Involves conducting controlled experiments to test the hypothesis.
Analysis: Involves scrutinizing experimental data to assess support for the hypothesis.
Conclusion: Summarizes findings and communicates results.

Key Concepts

Theory: A robust explanation that has been well-substantiated through evidence.
Law: A concise statement derived from repeated experimental observations, characterizing certain universal aspects.
Variable: Refers to any condition, factor, or trait that can change in amount or type during experiments.

Importance of Science

Enhances comprehension of the natural world and its complexities.
Fuels advancements in technology and medicine, influencing various sectors.
Serves as a foundation for informed policymaking and societal decisions.

Ethical Considerations

Emphasizes the importance of responsible conduct in research practices.
Requires a consideration of the societal implications resulting from scientific discoveries.
Stresses the necessity of peer review and reproducibility to validate findings.

Interdisciplinary Nature

Science frequently intersects with technology and engineering disciplines.
Collaborative efforts span multiple scientific areas, enriching problem-solving capabilities.

Description

This quiz covers the fundamental definitions of science, including its systematic nature and various branches. Explore key concepts such as the scientific method and the distinctions between natural, formal, social, and applied sciences.