Introduction to Science Quiz

Definition of Science

• Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge.
• Relies on empirical evidence and testable explanations.

Branches of Science

1. Natural Science
   • Study of natural phenomena.
   • Includes:
     • Physics: Study of matter and energy.
     • Chemistry: Study of substances and their interactions.
     • Biology: Study of living organisms.
2. Social Science
   • Study of human behavior and societies.
   • Includes:
     • Psychology: Study of mind and behavior.
     • Sociology: Study of society and social behavior.
     • Economics: Study of production, consumption, and transfer of wealth.
3. Formal Science
   • Study of abstract systems and structures.
   • Includes:
     • Mathematics: Study of numbers, quantities, and shapes.
     • Logic: Study of reasoning and argumentation.

Scientific Method

• Systematic procedure used for conducting research:
  1. Observation: Identify phenomena or problems.
  2. Question: Formulate specific questions.
  3. Hypothesis: Develop testable explanations.
  4. Experiment: Conduct experiments to test hypotheses.
  5. Analysis: Analyze data collected from experiments.
  6. Conclusion: Draw conclusions based on data.
  7. Communication: Share findings with the scientific community.

Characteristics of Science

• Empiricism: Knowledge based on observation and experiment.
• Reproducibility: Results should be reproducible by others.
• Falsifiability: Hypotheses must be testable and disprovable.
• Predictability: Science aims to predict future events or outcomes.

Importance of Science

• Enhances understanding of the natural world.
• Drives technological advancements.
• Informs public policy and decision-making.
• Contributes to health, agriculture, and resource management.

Limitations of Science

• Cannot answer moral or ethical questions.
• Subject to change with new evidence.
• May be influenced by biases or social factors.

Definition of Science

• Science is the systematic process of building and organizing knowledge using empirical evidence and testable explanations.

Branches of Science

• Natural science studies the natural world with the major subcategories of:
  • Physics, which studies matter and energy.
  • Chemistry, which studies substances and their interactions.
  • Biology, which studies living organisms.
• Social science focuses on human behavior and societies, with key subcategories including:
  • Psychology, which studies the mind and behavior.
  • Sociology, which studies society and social behavior.
  • Economics, which studies the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth.
• Formal science explores abstract systems and structures, with the main examples being:
  • Mathematics, which studies numbers, quantities, and shapes.
  • Logic, which studies reasoning and argumentation.

Scientific Method

• The scientific method is a systematic procedure for research and is comprised of seven core steps:
  • Observation: Identifying phenomena or problems.
  • Question: Formulating specific questions to address the observation.
  • Hypothesis: Developing testable explanations for the problem or phenomena.
  • Experiment: Designing and conducting experiments to test the proposed hypotheses.
  • Analysis: Analyzing the data collected from experiments.
  • Conclusion: Drawing conclusions based on the data analysis, ultimately determining whether the initial hypothesis is supported or refuted.
  • Communication: Sharing findings with the scientific community through publications and presentations.

Characteristics of Science

• Empiricism: Scientific knowledge should be based on observation and experimentation.
• Reproducibility: Scientific results must be reproducible by others to ensure accuracy and validity.
• Falsifiability: Hypotheses must be testable and capable of being disproven.
• Predictability: Science aims to predict future events or outcomes based on observed patterns and established laws.

Importance of Science

• It provides a deeper understanding of the natural world around us.
• It drives technological advancements and innovation.
• It informs public policy decisions and improves decision-making in various sectors.
• It contributes to advancements in areas such as health, agriculture, and resource management.

Limitations of Science

• Science cannot answer moral or ethical questions, as these are subjective and rely on personal values.
• Scientific knowledge is constantly evolving as new evidence emerges, meaning conclusions and theories might change over time.
• Science can be influenced by biases or social factors, which can affect research design and interpretation.

Test your knowledge on the definition of science, its branches, and the scientific method. This quiz covers natural, social, and formal sciences, along with key concepts of research procedures. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of scientific principles.