Science Discussion and Pseudoscience Quiz

What is Science?

• Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.
• The foundation of scientific inquiry is characterized by the acronym CONPTTF: Consistent, Objective, Natural, Predictable, Testable, Tentative, Falsifiable.

Difference between Observation and Fact

• Observation: The act of watching or perceiving something; can be subjective and lacks inherent knowledge until interpreted.
• Fact: A verified observation accepted as true based on repeated confirmation.

Scientific Theories vs. Everyday Theories

• Scientific theories provide well-substantiated explanations of natural phenomena, supported by extensive evidence, enabling predictions.
• Theories answer the question "why," while hypotheses are preliminary testable predictions.
• Examples:
  • Cell Theory: All living organisms consist of cells.
  • Germ Theory: Microscopic organisms cause diseases.
  • Atomic Theory: Matter is made of atoms.

Scientific Laws

• Laws describe consistent relationships among observable phenomena and summarize how aspects of the natural world behave under specific conditions.
• Laws reflect what occurs rather than why.
• Examples:
  • Ideal Gas Law: Describes the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature of gases.
  • Newton's Laws of Motion: Fundamental principles of dynamics, such as F=ma.

Key Differences: Law, Theory, Fact, Hypothesis

• Fact: Confirmed observation.
• Law: Descriptive formula based on repeated observations.
• Theory: Comprehensive explanation of phenomena.
• Hypothesis: Initial testable statement that predicts outcomes.

Cognitive Dissonance in Science

• Cognitive dissonance refers to conflicting beliefs and actions leading to mental discomfort, often resulting in denial or rationalization of contrary evidence.

Confirmation Bias

• The tendency to focus on information that supports pre-existing beliefs, leading to skewed data interpretation and memory.

Dunning-Kruger Effect

• A cognitive bias where individuals with limited knowledge overestimate their competence in a subject, contrasting with their actual performance.

What is Pseudoscience?

• Pseudoscience refers to claims or practices that assert to be scientific but lack adherence to the scientific method and cannot be reliably tested or falsified.

Engage in a comprehensive discussion about the definitions and misconceptions surrounding science and pseudoscience. This quiz will assess your understanding of what qualifies as science and what does not. Prepare for an insightful exploration of these critical concepts.