Introduction to Science

Study Notes

Definition of Science

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

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences
- Study natural phenomena.
- Includes Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science.
Formal Sciences
- Study abstract concepts and logic.
- Includes Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science.
Social Sciences
- Study human behavior and societies.
- Includes Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics.
Applied Sciences
- Practical application of scientific knowledge.
- Includes Engineering, Medicine, Environmental Science.

Scientific Method

Observation
- Gather data and notice phenomena.
Question
- Formulate a question based on observations.
Hypothesis
- Develop a testable prediction.
Experimentation
- Conduct experiments to test the hypothesis.
Analysis
- Analyze data collected from experiments.
Conclusion
- Draw conclusions based on analysis.
- If necessary, refine hypothesis and repeat process.

Key Concepts

Theory: Well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world, based on a body of evidence.
Law: Statement based on repeated experimental observations, describing some aspect of the world.
Variables:
- Independent Variable: Manipulated in an experiment.
- Dependent Variable: Measured response to changes in the independent variable.

Importance of Science

Advances technology and medical practices.
Provides a systematic approach to solving problems.
Enhances understanding of the universe and our place in it.

Ethics in Science

Importance of integrity, honesty, and transparency.
Ethical considerations in research involving humans and animals.
Responsibility to communicate findings accurately and responsibly.

Definition of Science

Science is a structured process for building and organizing knowledge.
Relies on empirical evidence through systematic experimentation.

Branches of Science

Natural Sciences: Examines natural phenomena and includes fields such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Science.
Formal Sciences: Focuses on abstract concepts, encompassing Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science.
Social Sciences: Studies human behavior and societal structures, including Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, and Economics.
Applied Sciences: Utilizes scientific knowledge for practical applications, involving disciplines like Engineering, Medicine, and Environmental Science.

Scientific Method

Observation: Involves gathering data and noticing patterns or phenomena.
Question: Development of questions based on initial observations.
Hypothesis: Creation of a testable prediction to explain the observed phenomena.
Experimentation: Performing experiments to assess the validity of the hypothesis.
Analysis: Systematic examination of data collected during experimentation.
Conclusion: Drawing conclusions from the analysis, with a possibility to refine the hypothesis and retest.

Key Concepts

Theory: A well-supported explanation for aspects of the natural world that incorporates extensive evidence.
Law: A generalized statement derived from repeated experimental observations that describes a consistent aspect of nature.
Variables:
- Independent Variable: The factor that is manipulated in experiments to test its effects.
- Dependent Variable: The outcome or response measured in relation to changes in the independent variable.

Importance of Science

Fuels advancements in technology and medical fields, improving quality of life.
Promotes a systematic methodology for addressing and solving complex problems.
Deepens comprehension of the universe and humanity's role within it.

Ethics in Science

Emphasizes the necessity of integrity, honesty, and transparency in scientific practices.
Addresses ethical considerations in research practices involving human and animal subjects.
Highlights the responsibility of scientists to communicate research findings accurately and ethically.

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of science, including its definition, branches, and the scientific method. This quiz covers natural, formal, social, and applied sciences, and delves into the steps involved in scientific inquiry. Test your knowledge on how scientific knowledge is built and organized through empirical evidence.