Language of Science Flashcards
Fact
confirmed observation, can change
Theory
well-tested and sustained explanation, stable (unlikely to change) but can change, how and why it happens, explanations for the “rules” or well sustained explanation of some aspect of the natural world
Law
a descriptive generalization about nature, can be used to make predictions, describe but do not explain, stable but can change, repeated patterns, what happens (with regularity)
Proof
no meaning because all science is tentative (durable), nothing in science can be proven
Hypothesis
statement that is capable of being falsified (capable of being shown to be wrong or incorrect), not a question, do not include time element
Scientific method
there is no such thing, there are multiple, different ways of generating evidence based understanding
Model
a tool (physical, conceptual or mathematical) that is used to advance scientific understanding of a phenomenon by the user of the tool
Argument (argumentation)
the use of claims, evidence and reasoning (CER) to convince others
Patterns
observable features of the natural world that occur repeatedly, described as the what but not the why, what observations lead to, repeated observation
Processes
include the causes of a pattern, not observable, why, what mechanisms or processes are causing the pattern
Explanations
casual accounts of why something happens, not descriptions of the what, might become a theory after lots of testing and whether it holds up and continues to be supported
Observations and Inferences
used to build models
Why model is used
put knowledge together, advance understanding, build an explanation, suggest hypotheses to test
Observation
observed through the 5 senses, what we experience
Inferences
possible guesses
Predictions
will always have a time element (when, will, if, then)
Physical Model
something tangible we can touch and manipulate in the real world
Physical organismal models
laboratory animals or plants used to advance understanding
Virtual model
conceptual and mathematical models
Conceptual model
drawings or diagrams used to advance understanding, can spark questions, uncover gaps and point out new relationships
Diagram
copying something and not gaining new ideas
Mathematical model
quantitative indicators of phenomena using numerical symbols, equations
Association study
tests for relationships between variables, variables not manipulated, results shown through correlation diagrams
ex: is there relationship between amount of exercise and number years lived?
Comparison study
tests for differences in one or more variables between 2 or more condition groups, variables not manipulated
ex: are the genomes of domestic cats and wild lions the same?
Causation (true) experiment
tests for a causal relationship by randomizing units to at least 2 conditions (treatment and control), variables are manipulated, does not explain how or why (need models), usually unethical
ex: does taking a particular drug cause people to live longer?
Natural experiment
test occurs in the real world, variables manipulated, best are ones that repeat themselves, realistic but no control=difficult to be sure event was cause of changes
ex: do hurricanes help to enhance or limit biodiversity in marshy environments?
Bounded nature of science
science has limits to the natural world, describes and explains natural phenomena, engages with questions of what is and not with what should be, do not answer questions about meaning, morals and ethics
Backward-looking explanations
going back in time, where did it originate, what events led to it
Downward-looking explanation
how does it work, molecular functions, deeper into structure (alleles, transcriptions, proteins, enzymes, chemical reactions)
Upward-looking explanation
how does it fit into the life and survival of organism, the whole individual (health, survival)
