Chapter 1: The Nature of Science

Science

The observation, identification, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of natural phenomena

Model Organisms

Organisms studied by many different researchers so they can compare their results and determine scientific principles that apply more broadly to other species

Scientific Method

A series of steps to test the validity of a hypothesis. This approach often involves a comparison between control and experimental groups

Ecology

The study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environments

Anatomy

The study of the structures of living things

Physiology

The study of the functions of living things

Cell Biology

The study of individual cells and their interactions with each other

Molecular Biology

A field of study made possible by genetic technology that allows researchers to study the structure and function of the molecules of life

Reductionism

Reducing complex systems to simpler components as a way to understand how the system works

Systems Biology

A field of study in which researchers investigate living organisms in terms of the interactions among their underlying networks—groups of structural and functional connections—rather than their individual molecular components

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a natural phenomenon that is based on previous observations or experimental studies

Predictions

Expected outcomes that can be shown to be correct or incorrect

Testable

Key characteristic of a useful hypothesis: that it can be accepted or rejected based on experimentation

Falsifiable

Refers to a hypothesis that can be shown to be incorrect based on additional observations or experimentation

Theory

A broad explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is confirmed by a large body of evidence

Knowledge

The awareness and understanding of information

Discovery-Based Science

The collection and analysis of data without the need for a preconceived hypothesis

Hypothesis Testing

Also known as the scientific method, a strategy for formulating and evaluating the validity of a hypothesis

Control Group

The sample in an experiment that is not subjected to one particular variable

Experimental Group

The sample in an experiment that is subjected to some type of variation

Repeatable

Similar results are obtained when an experiment is conducted on multiple occasions

Peer-Review Process

A procedure in which experts in a particular area evaluate papers submitted to scientific journals