Environmental science FRQ

Empiricism

Knowledge must be based on direct observation of real and measurable phenomena— Principle of science

Uniformitarianism

Natural laws and processes we observe today have been the same way in the past and will continue to operate so in the future— Principle of science

Parsimony(Occam’s razor)

The principle that the simplest explanation, or the one that makes the fewest assumptions, is usually the correct one— Principle of science

Uncertainty

All knowledge can be overturned by new evidence— Principle of science

Repeatability

Results must be replicable under the same conditions— Principle of science

Proof is elusive

All conclusions are subject to revision; science is not absolute proof— Principle of science

Testable questions

Questions(hypotheses) must be formulated in a way that can be answered through experimentation or observation— Principle of science

Question authority

Ask for evidence, be skeptical towards authority, authority does not guarantee truth— Baloney detection

Verify sources

Check the reliability and credibility of information before accepting it as true— Baloney detection

Encourage debate

Foster discussions and differing viewpoints to enhance understanding and critical thinking— Baloney detection

Beware of logical fallacies

Be cautious of errors in reasoning that undermine logical arguments and lead to false conclusions— Baloney detection

Replicate results

Ensure that research findings can be consistently reproduced under the same conditions, confirming their validity and reliability— Baloney detection

Do not rely on anecdotes

Avoid drawing conclusions based solely on personal stories or isolated examples— Baloney detection

Remain skeptical, not cynical

Cultivate a critical mindset that questions claims and evidence without becoming overly negative or dismissive towards new ideas— Baloney detection