Concepts and themes of Biology

This flashcard set covers the fundamentals of science, including definitions, the scientific method, variable types, logical reasoning, and the distinction between basic and applied science.

From which Latin word does the term 'Science' originate?

"scientia"

What is the meaning of the Latin word "scientia"?

Knowledge

What is the definition of Science provided in the notes?

A systematic and logical approach to discovering how things work.

Why are anecdotes not considered trustworthy evidence in science?

They are individual stories rather than conclusions based on large samples and average outcomes.

On what is scientific understanding based to draw conclusions?

Large samples and average outcomes.

According to the notes, what do anecdotes about vaccines and autism suggest should happen?

They can suggest things that should be investigated with the scientific method.

Contrast the vaccine/autism anecdote with scientific findings provided in the notes.

Science shows that the average occurrence of autism is the same for children who are and are not vaccinated when looking at thousands of children.

Which logical thinking method is associated with descriptive science and the formation of general conclusions?

Inductive Reasoning

Inductive Reasoning requires many related observations and large amounts of what?

Data (which can be qualitative or quantitative)

Which thinking method involves controlled experiments and the scientific method to predict specific results?

Deductive Reasoning

Who first documented the Scientific Method in the 1500's?

Sir Francis Bacon

What two things does the Scientific Method require regarding evidence?

Evidence must be empirical or measurable.

What must be true about the results of the Scientific Method for them to be valid?

Results must be repeatable.

What are the first three steps of the Scientific Method listed in the flowchart?

1. Observe and Form Question; 2. Read; 3. Form Hypothesis.

In the Scientific Method, what step follows 'Plan and Run Experiment'?

Analyze Data

What are the three possible conclusions for data in the Scientific Method flowchart?

Data Is Inconclusive, Data Supports Hypothesis, or Data Disproves Hypothesis.

What is the definition of a hypothesis?

An explanation based on limited evidence that can be tested.

A hypothesis must meet what two specific criteria?

It must be Testable and Falsifiable.

What is a key limitation regarding the proof of a hypothesis?

It can be disproven but never proven.

What is an independent variable?

The one thing you change in an experiment, limited to only one per experiment.

What is a dependent variable?

The change that happens because of the independent variable.

What are controlled variables?

Everything you want to remain constant and unchanging.

In the plant experiment example, what is the independent variable?

The liquid used to water each plant.

In the plant experiment example, what serves as the dependent variable?

The height or health of the plant.

In the plant experiment example, what are examples of controlled variables?

Type of plant used, pot size, amount of liquid, and soil type.

Can theories eventually become laws?

No, theories can never become Laws.

How are scientific Laws defined in the notes?

Observations consistently proven using mathematical equations.

What example of a mathematical equation for a Law is provided in the notes?

The equation $E=mc^2$.

What is the difference between Basic Science and Applied Science?

Basic Science pursues knowledge for the sake of understanding regardless of short term benefit, while Applied Science develops technology to solve real world problems.

Provide an example of Basic Science and its corresponding Applied Science application.

The discovery of DNA (Basic Science) led to genetic disease testing, CSI, and paternity testing (Applied Science).