Scientific Investigation and Artificial Intelligence Lecture Notes

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering scientific methodology, laboratory safety (WHMIS), artificial intelligence impacts, and notable figures in science.

Scientific investigation

A plan for asking questions and testing possible answers, typically beginning with observations.

Hypothesis

A possible logical answer to a scientific question, based on scientific knowledge.

Scientific Method Steps

The five basic steps plus one feedback step: Make an observation, Ask a question, Form a hypothesis, Make a prediction, Test the prediction, and Iterate.

Iterate

The feedback step in the scientific method where results are used to make new hypotheses or predictions.

Evidence

The result of scientific investigations used to answer questions and solve problems; if it cannot provide solid answers, it may lead to new questions.

Original Data Collection Benefits

Allows researchers to tailor data to specific aims and control/standardize the process for high reliability and validity.

Data Collection Drawbacks

Characteristics including being time consuming, labour intensive, expensive, and requiring skilled or trained people.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Intelligence demonstrated by machines—perceiving, synthesizing, and inferring information—as opposed to intelligence displayed by humans or animals.

AI Components

The core functions of artificial intelligence including learning, reasoning, problem solving, and using language.

Negative Impacts of AI

Potential societal disruptions such as diminished human closeness, unemployment due to machinery, wealth inequality, and racial bias/lack of human control.

Positive Impacts of AI

Benefits including fast/accurate diagnostics, socially therapeutic robots, reduced human fatigue errors, and improved Radiology.

WHMIS

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System; Canada's national hazard communication standard involving classification, labelling, (M)SDSs, and worker education.

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)

A document containing information on potential health, fire, reactivity, and environmental hazards and safe working practices for a chemical product.

Supplier Labels

One of the two main types of WHMIS labels required to be applied by providers of hazardous products according to the Hazardous Products Regulations.

WHMIS Hazard Groups

The three major categories of hazards: Physical hazards, Health hazards, and Environmental hazards.

Prohibition Sign

A red circle with a diagonal bar on a white background used to signal forbidden actions.

Mandatory Action Sign

A blue circle with a white contrast used to indicate required actions, such as wearing eye protection.

Warning Sign

A yellow equilateral triangle with a black contrast used to signal danger or caution.

Safe Condition Sign

A green square or rectangle providing information about escape routes and safety equipment.

Fire Safety Sign

A red square or rectangle used specifically to identify fire-fighting equipment like extinguishers.

Kirsty Duncan

Canada's Minister of Science.

Frederick Banting

Canadian scientist known for using insulin on humans.

Roberta Bondar

Canada's first woman in space.

David Suzuki

Canadian academic, science broadcaster, and environmental activist.

Alexander Graham Bell

The inventor of the telephone.

Howard Alper

A Canadian chemist and professor at the University of Ottawa best known for his research on Catalysis.

Kenneth O Hill

A Mexican Canadian physicist who discovered the phenomenon of photosensitivity in optical fibre.

Ada Lovelace

Recognized as one of the greatest scientists of all times, alongside figures like Einstein, Curie, and Newton.