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Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of natural sciences?
What is the primary focus of natural sciences?
Which step in the scientific method directly follows forming a hypothesis?
Which step in the scientific method directly follows forming a hypothesis?
What distinguishes a scientific theory from a scientific law?
What distinguishes a scientific theory from a scientific law?
Which branch of science focuses on the practical application of knowledge?
Which branch of science focuses on the practical application of knowledge?
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Why is peer review important in scientific research?
Why is peer review important in scientific research?
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Study Notes
Definition of Science
- Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
- Involves observation, experimentation, and theoretical explanation.
Branches of Science
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Natural Sciences
- Study of natural phenomena.
- Includes physics, chemistry, biology, and Earth sciences.
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Formal Sciences
- Study of abstract concepts.
- Includes mathematics, statistics, and logic.
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Social Sciences
- Study of human behavior and societies.
- Includes psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.
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Applied Sciences
- Practical application of scientific knowledge.
- Includes engineering, medicine, and technology.
Scientific Method
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Observation
- Gathering information using senses.
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Question
- Identifying a problem or phenomenon to study.
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Hypothesis
- Proposing a testable explanation.
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Experimentation
- Conducting tests to validate or invalidate the hypothesis.
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Analysis
- Evaluating data collected during experimentation.
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Conclusion
- Drawing inferences based on data and analysis.
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Communication
- Sharing results with the scientific community.
Importance of Science
- Advances understanding of the universe.
- Provides solutions to complex problems.
- Drives technological innovation and development.
- Informs public policy and health guidelines.
Key Concepts
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Theory vs. Law
- Theory: Well-substantiated explanation based on evidence.
- Law: Statement based on repeated experimental observations.
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Peer Review
- Process by which scientific work is evaluated by experts in the field.
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Replication
- Repeating experiments to verify results and conclusions.
Ethics in Science
- Integrity in research and reporting.
- Importance of transparency and reproducibility.
- Consideration of ethical implications of scientific work, especially in medical and environmental fields.
Definition of Science
- Systematic endeavor for organizing and constructing knowledge through observation, experimentation, and theoretical explanation.
Branches of Science
- Natural Sciences: Explore natural phenomena, encompassing fields like physics, chemistry, biology, and Earth sciences.
- Formal Sciences: Focus on abstract concepts, covering disciplines such as mathematics, statistics, and logic.
- Social Sciences: Investigate human behavior and societal structures, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.
- Applied Sciences: Concerned with the practical use of scientific principles in fields like engineering, medicine, and technology.
Scientific Method
- Observation: Collection of information using observational skills and sensory experiences.
- Question: Identification of a specific problem or phenomenon for study.
- Hypothesis: Development of a testable proposition to explain the observed phenomenon.
- Experimentation: Execution of tests to confirm or refute the hypothesis.
- Analysis: Evaluation of experimental data to interpret results.
- Conclusion: Drawing inferences that reflect the outcome of the data analysis.
- Communication: Dissemination of research findings to the scientific community.
Importance of Science
- Enhances comprehension of the universe and its workings.
- Offers solutions to intricate problems affecting society.
- Fuels technological progress and innovation across various sectors.
- Guides public policy and informs health-related decisions.
Key Concepts
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Theory vs. Law:
- Theory: A comprehensive explanation founded on substantial evidence.
- Law: A succinct statement derived from consistent experimental observations.
- Peer Review: The critical evaluation of scientific work by experts, ensuring quality and credibility.
- Replication: The process of repeating experiments to confirm results and validate conclusions.
Ethics in Science
- Upholding integrity in research practices and reporting findings.
- Emphasizing the necessity for transparency and reproducibility in research.
- Addressing the ethical implications of scientific endeavors, particularly in medical and environmental contexts.
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Description
This quiz explores the definition of science, its branches, and the scientific method. It covers the systematic approach to knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis. Dive into the realms of natural, formal, social, and applied sciences to test your understanding.