Introduction to Science and Its Branches

Study Notes

Definition of Science

Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
Based on empirical evidence and experimentation.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences
- Study of the natural world.
- Includes physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences.
Formal Sciences
- Study of abstract concepts and reasoning.
- Includes mathematics, logic, and statistics.
Social Sciences
- Study of human behavior and societies.
- Includes psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.
Applied Sciences
- Use of scientific principles to solve practical problems.
- Includes engineering, medicine, and technology.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for exploration and inquiry.

Observation: Identify a phenomenon or problem.
Question: Formulate a question based on observations.
Hypothesis: Propose a testable explanation or prediction.
Experimentation: Conduct experiments to test the hypothesis.
Analysis: Analyze data and results of experiments.
Conclusion: Draw conclusions and communicate findings.

Key Concepts

Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.
Law: A statement that describes a consistent relationship observed in nature.
Variable: Any factor that can change in a scientific experiment.
- Independent Variable: The factor that is manipulated.
- Dependent Variable: The factor that is measured.

Importance of Science

Advances knowledge and understanding of the universe.
Drives technological and medical innovations.
Informs policy decisions and societal issues.
Encourages critical thinking and questioning.

Ethical Considerations

Responsibility to conduct research ethically.
Importance of peer review and reproducibility.
Consideration of the societal impact of scientific advancements.

Definition of Science

Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
It relies on empirical evidence and experimentation to validate findings.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences: Involves the study of the natural world, encompassing fields like physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences.
Formal Sciences: Focuses on abstract concepts such as mathematics, logic, and statistics, emphasizing reasoning and analysis.
Social Sciences: Explores human behavior and societies, covering disciplines like psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.
Applied Sciences: Applies scientific principles to address practical problems, including fields such as engineering, medicine, and technology.

Scientific Method

A structured process designed for exploration through systematic inquiry.
Observation: Recognition of a phenomenon or problem that prompts further investigation.
Question: Development of a question that arises from the initial observations.
Hypothesis: Creation of a testable explanation or prediction regarding the question.
Experimentation: Execution of experiments aimed at validating or disproving the hypothesis.
Analysis: Examination and interpretation of experimental data and outcomes.
Conclusion: Summarization of findings and communication of results to relevant audiences.

Key Concepts

Theory: Represents a well-substantiated explanation of a natural phenomenon, supported by extensive evidence.
Law: Describes a consistent relationship or principle observed in nature, often expressed mathematically.
Variable: Refers to any factor that can change within a scientific experiment, influencing the results.
Independent Variable: The variable that researchers manipulate to observe effects on the dependent variable.
Dependent Variable: The outcome or factor that is measured in response to changes in the independent variable.

Importance of Science

Promotes the advancement of knowledge and understanding about the universe.
Fuels innovations in technology and medicine, enhancing quality of life.
Aids in shaping policy decisions and addressing societal issues through informed evidence.
Fosters critical thinking and encourages a questioning attitude towards the natural world.

Ethical Considerations

Scientists bear a responsibility to conduct research with integrity and ethics.
Importance placed on peer review processes and reproducibility to ensure reliability of findings.
Ethical considerations include evaluating the societal impact of scientific advancements and innovations.

Description

Explore the fundamentals of science, including its definition, branches such as natural, formal, social, and applied sciences, as well as the scientific method. This quiz will test your understanding of the systematic processes that underpin scientific inquiry.