Overview of Science

Study Notes

Science Overview

Definition: Systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Branches of Science

Natural Science: Focuses on the laws of nature and the physical universe.
- Physics: Study of matter, energy, and their interactions.
- Chemistry: Study of substances, their properties, reactions, and the changes they undergo.
- Biology: Study of living organisms and life processes.
Formal Science: Involves abstract concepts and mathematical theories.
- Mathematics: Study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and their relationships.
- Statistics: Study of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
- Computer Science: Study of algorithms, data structures, and the principles of computing.
Social Science: Examines human behavior and social structures.
- Psychology: Study of the mind and behavior.
- Sociology: Study of society, social institutions, and social relationships.
- Economics: Study of production, consumption, and the distribution of goods and services.

Scientific Method

Observation: Noting and describing phenomena.
Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation for observations.
Experimentation: Conducting tests to validate or invalidate the hypothesis.
Analysis: Interpreting data collected from experiments.
Conclusion: Drawing results and determining whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted.

Key Concepts

Theory: A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world, based on a body of evidence.
Law: Statement that describes a consistent phenomenon in nature.
Variable: Any factor that can change in an experiment (independent, dependent, controlled).

Importance of Science

Advancement of Knowledge: Enhances understanding of the universe.
Technological Innovation: Drives progress in technology and medicine.
Problem Solving: Provides tools and methodologies for addressing complex issues.
Critical Thinking: Fosters analytical skills and evidence-based reasoning.

Ethics in Science

Emphasizes integrity in research and respect for subjects.
Addresses issues of plagiarism, data fabrication, and ethical treatment of participants.

Science Overview

Definition: Science is a systematic way of understanding the universe through testable explanations and predictions.

Branches of Science

Natural Science: Focuses on the laws of nature, including physics, chemistry, and biology.
- Physics: Studies matter, energy, and their interactions.
- Chemistry: Studies substances, their properties, reactions, and changes.
- Biology: Studies living organisms and life processes.
Formal Science: Focuses on abstract concepts and mathematical theories, including mathematics, statistics, and computer science.
- Mathematics: Studies numbers, quantities, shapes, and their relationships.
- Statistics: Studies data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
- Computer Science: Studies algorithms, data structures, and the principles of computing.
Social Science: Examines human behavior and social structures, including psychology, sociology, and economics.
- Psychology: Studies the mind and behavior.
- Sociology: Studies society, social institutions, and relationships.
- Economics: Studies production, consumption, and the distribution of goods and services.

Scientific Method

Observation: Noticing and describing phenomena in the natural world.
Hypothesis: Forming a testable explanation for observations.
Experimentation: Conducting tests to validate or invalidate the hypothesis.
Analysis: Interpreting data collected from experiments.
Conclusion: Drawing results and determining whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted.

Key Concepts

Theory: A well-supported explanation for an aspect of the natural world based on a body of evidence.
Law: A statement that describes a consistent phenomenon in nature.
Variable: Any factor that can change in an experiment.
- Independent Variable: The factor that is manipulated by the experimenter.
- Dependent Variable: The factor that is measured and observed in response to changes in the independent variable.
- Controlled Variable: Factors held constant to ensure only the independent variable is affecting the dependent variable.

Importance of Science

Advancement of Knowledge: Plays a critical role in enhancing our understanding of the universe.
Technological Innovation: Drives progress in technology and medicine.
Problem Solving: Provides tools and methods to address complex issues.
Critical Thinking: Fosters analytical skills and evidence-based reasoning.

Ethics in Science

Emphasizes honesty and integrity in research.
Respects the rights of research subjects.
Addresses issues of plagiarism, data fabrication, and ethical treatment of participants.

Description

This quiz explores the various branches of science, including natural, formal, and social sciences. It covers key disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and psychology. Test your understanding of the definitions and scope of these scientific fields.