What is Science
I). What is Biology
A). Definition:
B). Biology subdivides into:
Anatomy
Biochemistry
Biophysics
Botany
Cell Biology
Ecology
Genetics
Microbiology
Physiology
Zoology
And many more
And each of these branches divides into many more.
C). Biology interacts with many other fields including:
Anthropology
Chemistry
Geology
History
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology
Paleontology
Sociology
Technology
Ethics
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
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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 |