Introduction to Science Concepts

Questions and Answers

What is a science concerned with?

Cause and effect

What are the two aspects of science?

Process and product (correct)

Observation and experimentation

Data collection and analysis

Theory and hypothesis

The study of _____ involves systematic inquiry and observations of the natural world.

science

Nursing is classified solely as a human science.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the classification of science with its examples:

Natural Sciences = Chemistry, Physics, Biology Basic/Pure Sciences = Mathematics, Logic Human/Social Sciences = Psychology, Sociology Applied Science = Medicine, Engineering Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a profession from an occupation?

A profession is a learned vocation or occupation, while an occupation is simply a job or career. Signup and view all the answers

Academic disciplines primarily focus on practical application.

False Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes nursing as a distinct discipline?

Identifiable philosophy and conceptual framework. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a characteristic of science?

Subjective observations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Science?

A science is fundamentally concerned with understanding cause and effect.
It explains observed phenomena through systematic inquiry and observations of the natural world.
Science operates as a dual concept:
- As a process, it involves gathering and verifying information.
- As a product, it results from investigative efforts and is grounded in experience.

Characteristics of Science

Coherence is essential, ensuring that information is logically structured.
Science encompasses definite fields of knowledge.
Scientific statements must be universally applicable and true or probably true.
Investigations and arguments must be clearly explained.

Classification of Science

Natural Sciences: Include Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geology, Physiology, and Meteorology.
Basic/Pure Sciences: Comprise Mathematics, Logic, Chemistry, and Physics.
Human/Social Sciences: Encompass Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, History, and Religion.
Applied Science: Involves disciplines like Architecture, Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacology, and Law.
Some fields, like Computer Science, may straddle classifications, being both applied and pure sciences.

Nursing as a Science

Nursing integrates concepts from various branches of science.
Primarily categorized as an applied science, despite having characteristics of human or social sciences.

Nursing as an Academic Discipline

Academic disciplines focus on theoretical knowledge to understand phenomena, with descriptive research.
Professional disciplines emphasize practical skill application, often with prescriptive or descriptive research tendencies.
Nursing is identified as a distinct discipline due to its unique philosophy and at least one conceptual framework that defines what constitutes nursing knowledge.
Nursing’s knowledge base is interdisciplinary, indicating its significance as both a professional and an academic discipline.

Distinctions in Occupation vs. Profession

An occupation refers to a job or career; a profession is a learned vocation that possesses recognized standards and status.

Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of science, including its definition, characteristics, and various classifications. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how science operates as both a process and a product, alongside the distinctions between natural and social sciences.