Science, Technology, and Society: An Introduction
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Which scenario best exemplifies the application of technology as defined in the provided content?

  • A physicist conducts experiments to validate a new theory about the nature of dark matter.
  • A chemist analyzes the composition of a newly discovered mineral to classify it within known geological categories.
  • A research team meticulously records the migratory patterns of monarch butterflies to understand their ecological behavior.
  • An engineer uses principles of thermodynamics and material science to design a more efficient internal combustion engine. (correct)

In the context of Science, Technology, and Society (STS), which question would be most relevant to investigate?

  • How does the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide correlate with global average temperatures?
  • How do social media algorithms influence political polarization and public discourse? (correct)
  • What are the fundamental differences between Newtonian physics and quantum mechanics?
  • What is the historical progression of microchip technology from vacuum tubes to modern integrated circuits?

What is the primary objective of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) as an academic field?

  • To provide students with the skills to critically evaluate the impact of science and technology on contemporary society. (correct)
  • To accelerate the pace of scientific discovery and technological advancement.
  • To promote scientific literacy among the general public.
  • To train scientists and engineers to develop innovative technologies.

Which of the following scenarios illustrates the 'science' component as described in the content?

<p>Investigating the correlation between deforestation and decreased rainfall using satellite imagery and statistical analysis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the study of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of scientific and technological advancements?

<p>It examines the historical context, social implications, and cultural influences shaping science and technology. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between science and technology, based on the content?

<p>Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 'Hubble Deep Field' is mentioned in the content. What does studying objects in space that are far away allow us to do?

<p>See what the universe looked like in the past. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these examples reflects how society shapes the progression of science and technology?

<p>Increased public concern about climate change leads to greater funding for research into renewable energy technologies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following exemplifies how science contributes to technology by providing a knowledge base for assessing technology's broader impacts?

<p>Creating software for simulating the environmental effects of a new manufacturing process. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does technology directly extend the agenda of scientific inquiry?

<p>By providing advanced tools and techniques for scientific investigation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is expected to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos. Which capability of the JWST most significantly surpasses that of the Hubble telescope, allowing it to 'see beyond'?

<p>Its ability to detect infrared light from distant objects. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of scientific research as defined by McClure and Hersson?

<p>To discover or create knowledge, test theories, and investigate problems for informed decision-making. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of empirical evidence in scientific methods?

<p>Empirical evidence serves as the foundation for scientific findings, ensuring they are based on observation and experimentation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of scientific research, what does it mean for findings to be generalizable?

<p>The findings can be applied to a wide range of situations and contexts beyond the original study. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is conducting an experiment to determine the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. Which step of the scientific method involves meticulously recording the height of plants over a period of time?

<p>Gathering Data. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the data analysis phase of a research project, a scientist identifies several outliers that do not fit the established trend. What is the most appropriate course of action?

<p>Investigate the outliers to determine if they represent errors or significant phenomena. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After completing a research project, a scientist prepares a detailed report outlining the methods, results, and conclusions. What is the primary purpose of this communication?

<p>To share the findings with the scientific community, allowing for peer review and replication. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A pharmaceutical company is testing a new drug, but the study requires human subjects. How does the ethical constraint of involving humans impact the study?

<p>It may limit the types of experiments that can be performed, affecting the data collected. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the scientific method considered an iterative process rather than a linear sequence of steps?

<p>Because the results of an experiment may lead to revisions of the hypothesis or further experimentation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying the effects of exercise on mood. What type of data would 'levels of happiness' be if participants selected 'happy', 'neutral', or 'sad'?

<p>Qualitative. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A laboratory is designing a study to test the effectiveness of a new drug. To ensure the reliability of their results, what should they do regarding external factors?

<p>Attempt to control external factors that are not under direct investigation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company decides to adopt the scientific method to improve its marketing strategies. How might this approach help the company diagnose a problem in its current strategy?

<p>By collecting measurable, empirical evidence related to a hypothesis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for scientists to make assumptions or hypotheses when conducting research?

<p>They provide a basis or a starting point for scientific investigations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Science's Contribution to Technology

New knowledge that inspires technological innovations.

Tools for Engineering

Techniques that enhance engineering design efficiency.

Research Instrumentation

Lab methods that find applications in industry.

Skill Development in Research

Research fosters new human skills for technology.

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Assessing Technology Impact

Knowledge base for evaluating social/environmental effects.

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Efficient Research Strategies

Knowledge aiding applied research and tech development.

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Technology's Contribution to Science

Offers new questions and justifies resource allocation.

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Advanced Scientific Instrumentation

Tech provides tools for complex scientific inquiries.

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Scientific Method

Systematic process for testing hypotheses in science.

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Research Defined

Inquiry with specific goals; discovering or creating knowledge.

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Characteristics of Scientific Methods

Orderly, empirical, and hypothesis-driven processes.

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Steps of the Scientific Method

Sequential steps starting from problem statement to results communication.

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Data Analysis

Interpreting data to assess reliability and trends.

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Drawing Conclusions

Evaluating if data supports the hypothesis and deciding next steps.

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Limitations of Scientific Methods

Challenges like ethical problems in human subjects research.

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Science

Methodical study of the universe through observation and experimentation.

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Technology

Application of scientific knowledge to create tools and solve problems.

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Hubble Deep Field

A telescope view revealing distant objects, showing history in space.

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Science, Technology, and Society (STS)

Study of the interactions between society's influences and scientific progress.

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Interdisciplinary Field

A field combining multiple disciplines, like history, sociology, and philosophy of science.

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History of Science

Study of how science has developed over time and its impact on society.

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Objective of STS

Prepare students to critically engage with contemporary science and technology challenges.

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Study Notes

Module 1: Introduction to Science, Technology & Society

  • Science: A methodical, systematic study of the universe using observation and experimentation. Latin root: "scientia" (knowledge).

  • Technology: The application of scientific knowledge to solve problems and create tools, materials, and services. Greek root: "techne" (art, skill).

  • Hubble Deep Field: A telescopic view that allows scientists to see distant, faint objects in space, effectively looking back in time.

  • Scientific Method: A systematic approach to research, involving controlled investigation and objective observation to understand natural phenomena.

  • Technology and Science Connection: Science provides knowledge and tools for technological advancements, while technology enables new scientific investigations and research.

  • Science, Technology, and Society (STS): An interdisciplinary field examining the interactions between society, politics, culture, scientific research and technological innovations.

Module 2: The Scientific Method: Application to Research

  • Scientific Method: A systematic investigation method used to construct and test scientific hypotheses, employing mathematical and experimental techniques.

  • Research: An inquiry process with clear goals, aiming to discover, create, test, or confirm knowledge, potentially building theory, or investigating problems for decision-making.

  • Characteristics of Scientific Methods: Orderly, systematic, empirical evidence-based, attempting to control external variables, and rooted in assumptions/hypotheses.

  • Steps of the Scientific Method:

  • Problem Statement: Clearly define the issue to be investigated.

  • Hypothesis Formulation: Propose a testable prediction (often an "if/then" statement).

  • Hypothesis Testing: Design and conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis, meticulously recording data.

  • Data Collection: Gather observations and measurements (both quantitative and qualitative).

  • Data Analysis & Interpretation: Analyze collected data to identify patterns and correlations.

  • Conclusion Drawing: Determine if the data supports or contradicts the hypothesis.

  • Result Communication: Report findings through formal formats like lab reports and presentations.

  • Research Process: A cyclical process, not a linear progression, aiming for progressively better, not perfect, understanding.

  • Limitations of Scientific Methods:

  • Ethical Concerns: Difficulties in conducting human subject research or where ethical considerations limit experimental scope.

  • Human Complexity: Human behavior's complexity, variability, and susceptibility to personal bias can make observations complex and analysis challenging.

  • Measurement Challenges: Difficulty accurately measuring and categorizing intangible aspects of human behavior.

  • External Variable Control: Challenges in controlling external factors that influence results when studying humans.

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Description

Explore the foundations of Science, Technology, and Society (STS). This module defines science and technology, highlighting their interconnections. Learn about the scientific method and the impact of technology on scientific research within the STS framework.

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