Science and the Scientific Process (Lecture Notes)

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on science, the scientific process, and related topics.

What is science?

The process of using observations and experiments to draw evidence-based conclusions; a way of learning about the natural world; a method to answer questions; and a never-ending process.

What are the two main approaches scientists use to learn about nature?

Discovery science and hypothesis-based science.

What does discovery science emphasize?

Verifiable observations and measurements to describe nature, using inductive reasoning to draw general conclusions and typically raising more questions.

What does hypothesis-based science do with discovery science data?

Develops hypotheses that can be tested more rigorously.

What characterizes inductive research?

Begins with empirical data/observations to generate hypotheses and theory.

What characterizes deductive research?

Begins with a theory-driven hypothesis that guides data collection and analysis.

Which research approach leads to general conclusions from specific observations?

Inductive research (discovery science).

What is a hypothesis?

A proposed explanation for observations that must be testable and falsifiable.

What is a prediction in scientific testing?

The expected result of a test if the hypothesis is supported.

What is a scientific theory?

A well-established explanation supported by a large and growing body of evidence, widely accepted by scientists.

In a controlled experiment, what are the two main groups?

The experimental group (receives the intervention) and the control group (receives no intervention).

What is a placebo?

A fake treatment that mimics the experience of the experimental group.

What is an independent variable?

The variable deliberately changed in the experiment.

What is a dependent variable?

The variable measured in the experiment.

What is a control variable?

Variables kept constant to prevent them from influencing results.

Does correlation imply causation?

No. Correlation indicates a relationship but does not prove one variable causes the other.

What is epidemiology?

The study of patterns of disease in populations, including risk factors.

What increases confidence in scientific conclusions?

Replication by other scientists and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

What is the role of peer review?

Experts review a study before publication to ensure proper design and interpretation and to weed out sloppy research.

In the coffee memory experiment, what is the independent variable?

Whether participants consumed caffeinated vs. decaffeinated coffee (presence of caffeine).

In the coffee memory experiment, what is the dependent variable?

Memory test scores (memory performance).

Is a hypothesis ever proven?

No; it can be supported by data but may be disproven by future evidence.

What is a controlled experiment’s purpose?

To test a hypothesis by comparing an experimental group with a control group while keeping other factors constant.

What is a randomized clinical trial?

An experimental study where subjects are randomly assigned to treatment and control groups to test an intervention.

What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

A hypothesis is a testable explanation; a theory is a well-supported explanation backed by extensive evidence.

What is the difference between everyday use of 'theory' and scientific theory?

Everyday theory is a guess or idea; scientific theory is a well-supported explanation with substantial evidence.

What is meant by replication in science?

Repeating experiments by other scientists to increase confidence in conclusions.

What can cause conflicting coffee study results?

Factors like amount of coffee, gender/age/health, social factors, caffeine content, study design, and uncontrolled variables.

What is correlation?

A consistent relationship between two variables, which does not by itself prove causation.

What is the role of literature review in science?

Reading relevant, peer-reviewed literature to inform current research and situate it in the context of existing knowledge.

What is the purpose of publishing results in peer-reviewed journals?

To share results with the scientific community for scrutiny, critique, and replication.

What is the basic sequence of the scientific process?

Observation -> question -> literature review -> hypothesis formation -> testing -> data analysis -> conclusions -> publication -> replication.

What is the role of statistics and sample size?

Larger sample sizes increase the likelihood that results are statistically significant and reflect real effects rather than chance.

What is meant by ‘science is a never-ending process’?

Scientific knowledge and explanations are continually tested, revised, and sometimes replaced as new evidence emerges.

How are science, technology, and society connected?

Biology raises issues that technology uses; science seeks understanding, technology applies scientific knowledge for specific purposes.