The Scientific method

• Science employs a systematic, organized method to explain the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis.
• Science includes a broad spectrum of disciplines, each investigating distinct facets of the universe.
• Scientists use the scientific method to examine phenomena, gain insights, or refine existing understanding.

Core Principles

• Empiricism emphasizes observable evidence and data as the foundation for scientific claims and theories, with knowledge primarily coming from sensory experience.
• Rationalism deems logical reasoning and critical thinking essential for data interpretation and explanation development.
• Skepticism subjects scientific claims to constant scrutiny and welcomes new evidence that could challenge current theories.
• Objectivity requires scientists to minimize biases in their work, ensuring findings reflect evidence, not personal opinions.

Scientific Method

• Observation starts with noticing a phenomenon or pinpointing a problem needing investigation.
• Hypothesis involves creating a testable explanation or prediction from initial observations, serving as a provisional answer.
• Prediction states expected outcomes if the hypothesis is correct; it is often phrased as an "if-then" statement.
• Experiment includes designing and performing controlled tests to gather relevant data for testing the hypothesis.
• Analysis assesses data collected during experiments to see if the evidence confirms or denies the hypothesis.
• Conclusion involves making decisions based on analyzed data, which either supports or rejects the initial hypothesis.
• Communication disseminates findings within the scientific community through publications and conferences.

Branches of Science

• Natural Sciences explore the physical world and natural occurrences.
• Physics studies the core principles of matter, energy, space, and time, covering mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and quantum mechanics.
• Chemistry deals with the makeup, structure, characteristics, and reactions of matter, including atoms, molecules, and their interactions.
• Biology studies living things, focusing on their structure, function, growth, evolution, and distribution, including botany, zoology, microbiology, and genetics.
• Earth Science studies the Earth's structure, composition, processes, and history, incorporating geology, oceanography, meteorology, and environmental science.
• Social Sciences focus on human society and relationships.
• Psychology investigates the human mind and behavior, including cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical areas.
• Sociology studies social structures, institutions, and group dynamics, addressing inequality, social change, and social interactions.
• Economics examines the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, dividing into micro and macroeconomics.
• Political Science studies political theory and governmental practices, looking at systems, institutions, and behavior.
• Anthropology explores human cultures, societies, and their development through cultural, physical, and archaeological perspectives.
• Formal Sciences study formal systems like logic, mathematics, and computer science.
• Mathematics explores abstract structures, relationships, and patterns, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics.
• Logic examines the rules of valid reasoning and argumentation.
• Computer Science concentrates on computation, algorithms, and information processing.

Scientific Theories

• Scientific theories explain aspects of the natural world and rely on facts repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.
• Theories are not mere guesses but robust frameworks that predict outcomes and direct future research.

Laws

• Scientific laws are descriptive statements that describe invariable relationships under specific conditions.
• Laws are often mathematical and universally applicable.

Technology and Innovation

• Science advances technology by providing knowledge for new tools and techniques.
• Innovation drives scientific discovery with new instruments that allow detailed exploration.

Impact of Science

• Medicine benefits from vaccines, antibiotics, and diagnostic tools.
• Agriculture sees improvements in crop yields, pest control, and food production.
• Energy benefits from renewable sources and efficient technologies.
• Communication advances through telecommunications, the internet, and devices.
• Transportation evolves with airplanes, automobiles, and other means.

Limitations

• Science is limited by what it can observe, measure, and test.
• Science cannot answer subjective or moral questions.
• Scientific knowledge is subject to change based on new evidence.

Misconceptions

• A hypothesis is a testable explanation, while a theory is supported by extensive evidence.
• Correlation indicates a relationship, but not necessarily causation.
• Science provides supporting evidence rather than absolute proof.

Ethics

• Scientific Conduct: Scientists must be honest, objective, and respect intellectual property.
• Responsible Research: Scientists must consider and minimize the social and environmental impacts of their research.
• Informed Consent: Human research requires informed consent, with participants understanding risks and benefits.