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What is Science

I). What is Biology

A). Definition:

B). Biology subdivides into:

And each of these branches divides into many more.

C). Biology interacts with many other fields including:

II). What is science?

Science is a specific process

of observing and studying

things in our "world."

That process is the scientific method

 

III). Levels of knowledge

A). Scientific Law: is a uniform and constant fact of nature.

B). Theory: is an explanation of natural phenomenon….

… that must be supported by a large body of scientific evidence obtained from various scientists, experiments and observations.

Theories are constantly tested and refined although the basic statement is rarely disproved.

C). Hypothesis:

1). Definition:

A hypothesis is a statement that provides a possible answer

2). A good hypothesis is:

  • logical
  • accounts for all the relevant information
  • allows one to predict future events relating to the question being asked.
  • IS TESTABLE.

3). A good hypothesis can also be wrong.

D). Observation:

 Senses or an extension of our senses to record an event.

 

IV). Types of observations:

A). Qualitative:

B). Quantitative:

 

V). Cause & Effect

A). Correlated Events:

B). Cause and Effect Relationship:

 

VI). Scientific Method:

Step 1: Observation:

Step 2: Make a hypothesis:

Step 3: Design a controlled experiment to test your hypothesis.

Control:
Variable:

Step 4: Repeat

Step 5: Analyze the results

Step 6: Draw conclusions

Step 7: Report the results in a peer review journal.

 

VII). Validity

A). Accuracy:

is the degree to which the data actually reflects what it should.

B). Precision:

Involves being able to get the same result with repeated experiments.

C). Validity:

 Valid data is accurate and precise.

 

VIII). Science vs. "Shoddy" Science or Pseudo-Science

Characteristics of Accepted Science

Characteristics of "Shoddy" Science or Pseudo-Science

Uses hypothesis that can be tested using the scientific method

Hypothesis can not be tested using the scientific method

Stated conclusions based on supporting evidence and numerous studies

Easy acceptance of strongly stated opinions

Careful attention to detail

Speculation

Peer review of conclusions

Conclusions that ignore peer review

Strong basis in ethics

Shoddy science, falsified data, plagiarized data.

Depend on peer review journals for the acceptance of ideas

Depend on popular media for the acceptance of ideas

Continually tests principals and assumptions

Does not test assumptions

Purpose is to clarify

Purpose is to mislead or confuse