Physics - Science Flashcards
An observation that has been confirmed repeatedly and is accepted as true (although its truth is never final).
A repeatable careful observation or measurement (by experimentation or other means), also called empirical evidence.
_____ are central to building scientific theories.
Scientific Fact
In science, an idea or explanation that you then test through study and experimentation. Outside science, a theory or guess can also be called a _____.
A proposed explanation for a phenomenon.
The scientific method requires that one can test it.
Based on previous observations that cannot satisfactorily be explained with the available scientific theories.
Hypothesis
Statements, based on repeated experiments or observations, that describe or predict a range of natural phenomena.
Scientific Laws or Laws of Science
A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena.
“________ must be falsifiable”
Scientific Theory
A systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the natural world.
The field of study concerned with discovering and describing the world around us by observing and experimenting. Biology, chemistry, and physics are all branches of ______.
Science
An empirical method of acquiring knowledge that has characterized the development of science since at least the 17th century.
It involves careful observation, applying rigorous skepticism about what is observed, given that cognitive assumptions can distort how one interprets the observation.
It involves formulating hypotheses, via induction, based on such observations; experimental and measurement-based testing of deductions drawn from the hypotheses; and refinement (or elimination) of the hypotheses based on the experimental findings.
Scientific Method
________ consists of statements, beliefs, or practices that are claimed to be both scientific and factual but are incompatible with the scientific method.
________ is often characterized by contradictory, exaggerated or unfalsifiable claims; reliance on confirmation bias rather than rigorous attempts at refutation; lack of openness to evaluation by other experts; absence of systematic practices when developing hypotheses; and continued adherence long after the pseudoscientific hypotheses have been experimentally discredited.
An activity resembling science but based on fallacious assumptions
Pseudoscience
Hallmarks of Science
- Natural
- Simple
- Falsifiable
Everything that can be observed with the 5 senses or instruments.
Natural (Hallmark of Science)
The principle that entities should not be multiplied needlessly; the simplest of two competing theories is to be preferred.
It is sometimes paraphrased by a statement like “the simplest solution is most likely the right one”.
Simple (Hallmark of Science)
Occam’s Razor
The assertion that for any hypothesis to have credence, it must be inherently disprovable before it can become accepted as a scientific hypothesis or theory.
For example, someone might claim “the earth is younger than many scientists state, and in fact was created to appear as though it was older through deceptive fossils etc.” This is a claim that is unfalsifiable because it is a theory that can never be shown to be false. If you were to present such a person with fossils, geological data or arguments about the nature of compounds in the ozone, they could refute the argument by saying that your evidence was fabricated to appeared that way, and isn’t valid.
Testable (Hallmark of Science)
Falsifiability
A way of problem-solving by making a hypothesis and then testing it, a way of thinking that values observation and data instead of fanciful ideas about the order of things.
Scientific Method
When you take a good look at something, noticing facts or taking measurements, you are engaging in ________, something a little more intense than just a quick glance.
Observation
The act of conducting a controlled test or investigation.
The testing of an idea.
Experiment
The first step of the scientific method is the _____.
The first step of the scientific method is the “Question.” This step may also be referred to as the “Problem.”
Your question should be worded so that it can be answered through experimentation. Keep your question concise and clear so that everyone knows what you are trying to solve. The question should have a purpose…why do you want to know? how does this matter? who wants to know?
This first step should also have a goal. What purpose will the answer to this question serve?
You have your question/problem formulated. What’s next?
Research.
Now you need to find out about your subject. You need background information before you move on to your next step, the hypothesis. What other research or experimentation is out there? Will this influence your experiment?
Where do you find this background information?
The LIBRARY. Note the Resources tab on this guide, and the Suggested Databases box in the right column of this page. Ask your friendly librarian about databases, print material, etc.
Discuss your topic with your friends, colleagues, and teachers. Everyone has an opinion or observation.
The Web…fast and convenient.
Life, in general.
Now that you’ve done your research and made your obsevations it’s time to state your _____.
Now it’s time to state your hypothesis. The hypothesis is an educated guess as to what will happen during your experiment.
The hypothesis is often written using the words “IF” and “THEN.” For example, “If I do not study, then I will fail the test.” The “if’ and “then” statements reflect your indepedent and dependent variables.
The hypothesis should relate back to your original question and must be testable.
Now it’s time to test your hypothesis. This is done through _____.
Experimentation.
Start by explaining your procedure. Remember to keep your experiment fair and unbiased and watch those variables (change only one thing at a time). After you have your process figured out, make a list of materials you will need. Now you can conduct your experiment. Repeat your experiment several times to validate your findings. Keep careful notes and data.
Now that you’ve done your experiments, it’s time to _______.
Analyze your data.
Is the data reasonable?
If your data is organized so others will be able to understand it?
Does the data support or disprove your hypothesis?
Do you need to run the experiment again?
After analyzing the data, it’s time to come to a _____.
Conclusion.
Now it is time to summarize and explain what happened in your experiment. Your conclusion should answer the question posed in step one. Your conclusion should be based solely on your results.
Think about the following questions:
Was your hypothesis correct?
If your hypothesis wasn’t correct, what can you conclude from that?
Do you need to run your experiment again, changing a variable?
Is your data clearly defined so everyone can understand the results and follow your reasoning?
Remember, even a failed experiment can yield a valuable lesson.
