Introduction to Science and the Scientific Method

Comprehensive flashcards covering the definition of science, logical reasoning methods, the scientific method, variables, and the distinction between basic and applied science.

From which Latin word does 'Science' originate?

scientia

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

Knowledge

How is science defined as an approach?

A systematic and logical approach to discovering how things work.

What are individual stories called that are not considered trustworthy evidence in science?

Anecdotes

Upon what is scientific understanding based to draw conclusions?

Large samples and average outcomes

According to the transcript, what is the role of anecdotes in the scientific process?

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

What does scientific evidence show regarding the average occurrence of autism in vaccinated versus unvaccinated children?

The average occurrence is the same for both groups.

Name the eight science disciplines listed in the text.

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Astronomy, Logic, Geology, and Biology.

What is 'Inductive Reasoning' associated with in science?

Descriptive Science

What process does Inductive Reasoning use to reach general conclusions?

Related Observations

What two types of data can be used in Inductive Reasoning?

Qualitative or quantitative

Inductive Reasoning requires what in large amounts to be effective?

Large amounts of Data

What is 'Deductive Reasoning' associated with in the context of experiments?

Controlled Experiment and Hypothesis Based science.

Deductive Reasoning is used to predict what?

Specific results

Who was the first to document the Scientific Method in the 1500s?

Sir Francis Bacon

The Scientific Method requires what specific kind of evidence?

Empirical or measurable evidence

What must be true for the results of an experiment following the Scientific Method?

Results must be repeatable.

What is the first step of the Scientific Method process?

Observe and Form Question

What step follows 'Form Hypothesis' in the Scientific Method?

Plan and Run Experiment

What step occurs after the experiment is run but before publishing conclusions?

Analyze Data

What are the three possible outcomes of data analysis described in the Scientific Method diagram?

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.

What two properties must a hypothesis possess?

Testable and Falsifiable

Can a hypothesis ever be proven?

No, it can be disproven but never proven.

What is an Independent variable?

The one thing you change, which should be limited to only one in an 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 an experiment using different liquids to water plants, what is the liquid used for each plant?

The independent variable

In an experiment using juice to water plants, what would the height or health of the plant represent?

The dependent variable

Identify four examples of controlled variables in a plant experiment.

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

What can long-standing hypotheses eventually become?

Theories

Can theories eventually become laws?

No, theories never become Laws.

What are Laws in the context of science?

Observations consistently proven using mathematical equations.

What mathematical equation is provided as an example of a scientific Law?

$$E = mc^2$$

Define 'Basic Science'.

Pursuing knowledge for the sake of understanding and knowledge regardless of short term benefit.

Define 'Applied Science'.

Developing technology to solve real world problems.

DNA Discovery and understanding is an example of which type of science?

Basic Science

The Human Genome Project is an example of which type of science?

Basic Science

Penicillin discovery is an example of which type of science?

Basic Science

Genetic disease testing, CSI, and paternity testing are examples of what?

Applied Science

The goal of curing genetic diseases belongs to which category of science?

Applied Science

The development of antibiotics is an example of which category of science?

Applied Science

Which reasoning method is associated with the 'Scientific Method' and predicts specific results?

Deductive Reasoning

What type of science focuses on related observations and descriptive data?

Inductive Reasoning

What does it mean if a hypothesis is 'falsifiable'?

It is capable of being proven false through testing.

What step precedes 'Form Hypothesis' in the provided flow chart?

Read

What logic method moves from related observations to general conclusions?

Inductive Reasoning

In variables, what do you call factors such as pot size and soil type that must be kept constant?

Controlled Variables

What is the stated relationship between theories and laws in the lesson?

Theories can never become laws.

According to the transcript, can scientific results be considered valid if they are not repeatable?

No, results must be repeatable.