exam #1 Flashcards
define science
a way of knowing, a method to seek answers, a process of using observation and experiments to draw evidence-based conclusions
define biology
the study of life
list and describe the steps of the scientific method (process)
- observation
- hypothesis
- experiment
- analyze data
- conclusion
define hypothesis
a testable and falsifiable explanation for a scientific observation or question
define independent variable
the factor being deliberately changed
define dependent variable
measured result of an experiment
define randomized controlled trials
a controlled medial experiment in which subjects are randomly chosen to receive either an experimental treatment or a standard treatment
define case control study
a type of epidemiological study to assess an association between an exposure and an outcome
explain steps of well-designed experiment
a. includes a control group
b. includes an experimental group
c. experiment is known as a controlled experiment
identify control group
experiences no experimental manipulation
identify experimental group
experiences the experimental manipulation
define cofounding variable
influences both the independent and the dependent variable
define statistical significance
a measure of confidence that the results obtained are “real” and not due to chance
define blind study
the participant doesn’t know if they received the placebo or the real treatment but the experimenter does
define double-blind study
neither the participant nor the experimenter know weather they received the real treatment or the placebo
define scientific theory
an explanation of the natural world that is supported by a large body of evidence and has never been disproved
does science have the ability to “prove” something?
science cannot prove anything but it can create a substantial amount of evidence to support a claim
what are anecdotes
conclusions informally vetted, inspired by evidence, based on personal experience, conclusions published on social media, conclusions are not reliable
what is scientific evidence
hundred/thousands of date points examined, hypotheses are examined, data subjected to statistical analysis
separating facts from conclusions
- facts are true and can be verified
- conclusions are developed from the facts
distinguishing between correlation and causation
- correlation: a consistent relationship between two variables
- causation: the relationship because of cause and effect
- correlation between two variables does not prove that one variable causes the other
what is peer review?
a review of an article by experts before publication to weed out sloppy research
how to interpret science in the news
look at:
study size
model system
replication (can it be repeated)
hyped language
outside input
funding source
publication reputation
define epidemiology
the study of patterns of disease in populations, including risk factors
define chemistry
the identification of the substances of which matter is composed
list & describe characteristics of living organisms
- grow: increase in size
- reproduce: produce new organisms
- maintain homeostasis: maintain a stable internal environment, even when external environment changes
- sense and respond to stimuli: for example, for towards sunlight or away from predators
- obtain and use energy: obtain energy from food, chemical reactions convert the energy into usable forms
what is matter composed of?
anything that takes up space and has mass
what are elements composed of?
atoms
what are atoms composed of?
protons, electrons, and neutrons
explain atomic structure
- has a nucleus (protons and neutrons)
- electrons are outside of the nucleus in the electron shell and create chemical bonds
what is indicated by the atomic number?
the number of protons in an atom
what is indicated by the mass number?
the number of protons plus neutrons
what is an isotope?
different forms of an element, vary by number of neutrons
what is an ion?
an electrically charged atom, the charge resulting from the loss or gain of electron
what atoms tend to form chemical bonds?
an atom that lacks electrons will form a chemical bond with an atom that can “spare” the outer electrons
name 3 main types of chemical bonds
- covalent
- ionic
- hydrogen
how is a covalent bond formed?
a strong interaction resulting from the sharing of a pair of electrons between two atoms
how is an ionic bond formed?
a strong electrical attraction between oppositely charged ions formed by the transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to another
how is a hydrogen bond formed?
a weak electrical attraction between a partially positive hydrogen atom and an atom with a partial negative charge
what are the properties of water?
- water is sticky (cohesion/adhesion)
- water can abord a lot of energy (large liquid range)
- ice is less dense than liquid water (ice floats)
define solvent
a substance in which another substance dissolves
define solute
a dissolved substance
define solution
the mixture of solute and solvent
what is an acid?
higher concentration of hydrogen ions
what is a base?
higher concentration of hydroxide ions