Science and the Scientific Method

Flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and definitions related to the lecture on science and the scientific method.

What is Science?

A systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Francis Bacon

A philosopher who emphasized induction, advocating that truth can be discovered through observations leading to broader understanding.

Induction

The process of deriving general principles from specific observations.

Hypothetico-Deductive Method

A scientific method where one starts with an unexplained observation, formulates hypotheses, and tests them through various methods.

Hypothesis

A logical proposition about the world that can be tested.

Creativity in Science

The development of hypotheses or testing methods involving creative thinking, akin to artistic processes.

Validity of Observations

Observations must be reproducible by others under similar conditions to be considered valid.

Variables

Characteristics of a system that are capable of change; experiments typically manipulate one or a few variables.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The outcome measured to see if it changes due to the manipulation of the independent variable.

Post Hoc Fallacy

The assumption that if event X occurs and is followed by event Y, then X caused Y.

Correlation vs. Causation

The distinction between two things occurring together versus one causing the other.

Control Group

A group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment, allowing researchers to isolate the effect of the independent variable.

Randomization

The process of randomly assigning participants to groups to avoid bias in experimental results.

Placebo Effect

The phenomenon where participants improve simply because they believe they are receiving treatment.

Experimenter Bias

When researchers unintentionally influence outcomes based on their expectations.

Double-Blinded Study

A study design in which neither the experimenters nor the participants know who is receiving the treatment versus the placebo.

Naturalistic Fallacy

The assumption that what is natural is inherently good or desirable.

Peer Review

The process by which scientific findings are published in journals and evaluated for validity and quality assurance.

Theory

A well-tested hypothesis or group of related hypotheses applicable across various situations.

Misconception of Theory

The common misunderstanding that theories are just guesses; established theories derive from rigorous validation.

Scientific Progress

The dynamic, self-correcting process of science where information is refined over time.

Brain Plasticity

The ability of brain areas to grow and adapt, as shown in studies of London cabdrivers.

MRI Studies

Research methods using magnetic resonance imaging to demonstrate changes in brain structure.

Essential Elements of Experimental Design

Components necessary for robust scientific inquiry including control groups, randomization, and variable manipulation.

Reproducibility

The requirement that scientific observations can be replicated under similar conditions by different researchers.

Hypothetico-Deductive Method Steps

The systematic approach includes making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing results.

Scientific Literacy

The ability to understand and apply scientific concepts and processes.

Importance of Experimental Design

Ensures the integrity and validity of scientific experiments by accounting for bias and controlling variables.

Examples of Variables

Independent variables (manipulated), dependent variables (measured), and controlled variables (kept constant).

Skepticism in Science

The critical attitude of questioning claims and requiring empirical evidence.

Correlation

A statistical relationship between two variables; does not imply causation.

Causation

The relationship where one event causes an effect in another event.

Effects of Peer Review

Improves scientific research quality by validating findings before publication.

Emerging Theories

Theories that evolve with the introduction of new evidence, reflecting scientific progress.

Misunderstood Concepts in Science

Terms like 'theory' and 'hypothesis' which are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings in scientific contexts.