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BIO 201 > U1 Definitions > Flashcards

U1 Definitions Flashcards

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Biology 101 flashcards
1
Q

Pattern

A

Observable features of the natural world that occur repeatedly

–> Based on observation (the “what”)

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2
Q

Processes

A

Include the causes of a pattern

–> Based on inferences, logic, deduction, and explanation (the “why”)

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3
Q

Law

A

A descriptive generalization about the world (the what):

–> Repeated patterns (“what happens”)
–> “Cookbook science”

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4
Q

Theory

A

Explanations for the laws (the why):

–> Well substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world

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5
Q

Explanation

A

Causal accounts of why something happens (doesn’t always become a theory)

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6
Q

Model

A

A tool built using observations and inferences that advances understanding and helps to build an explanation

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7
Q

Hypothesis

A

Testable statements (can be shown to be supported or falsified)

–> Used to test if the model is supported or not

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8
Q

Prediction

A

Will always have a TIME element

(when, will, if, then)

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9
Q

Order of Reasoning

A

Observation + Inferences = Model

Model –> Hypotheses –> Test = Explanation

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10
Q

Characteristics of Good Scientific Model

A

1) Account for all data at hand
2) Predict the results of future tests
3) Be consistent with prior knowledge (logically consistent)
4) Advance understanding

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11
Q

Physical Models

A

Build in the “real world”: Tangible

(EX: Organismal models –> Mice)

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12
Q

Conceptual Models

A

Drawings or diagrams that are used to advance understanding for the used of the model

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13
Q

Mathematical Models

A

Quantitative indicators using numerical symbols

(EX: computer simulations)

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14
Q

Association Study

A

Tests for relationships between variables (correlation)

–> No manipulation of variables

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15
Q

Comparison Study

A

Tests for differences in one or more variables between 2+ conditions or groups

–> No manipulation of variables
–> No random assignment or control group

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16
Q

Causation (True) Experiment

A

Tests for a causal relationship by randomizing units to at least 2 conditions: treatment and control

–> Variables ARE manipulated

17
Q

Natural Experiment

A

Test that occurs in the “real world”

–> Variables are manipulated (by nature)

18
Q

Bounded Nature of Science

A

The idea that science isn’t able to test whether the supernatural exists

–> Science has limits

19
Q

Backward Looking Explanation

A

Uses history to explain a phenomenon

–> Origins, looking back in time

20
Q

Downward Looking Explanation

A

Go deeper (to smaller scales) to explain phenomena

21
Q

Upward Looking Explanation

A

Considering the entire organism and how the phenomenon relates to the organism itself

–> Larger scope/bigger context

22
Q

Characteristics of Strong Explanations

A

1) Specify the causes of a phenomenon

2) Include more than 1 type of explanation

3) Recognize that 1 type of explanation cannot adequately account for a biological phenomenon because many causes characterize most living systems

23
Q

Characteristics of Weak Explanations

A

1) Vague/Unclear about causes of mostly describe a phenomenon

2) Includes only 1 type of explanation

3) Involves mismatches between the question being asked and the explanation type

24
Q

Association Study Weakness

A

Correlation cannot show causation

25
Q

Causation Experiment Weakness

A

1) Can show causal relationships but this may not explain the WHY yet

2) Cannot be conducted in many cases due to ethical issues

26
Q

Natural Experiment Weakness

A

No controls

–> Difficult to determine certainty that the event was the true cause of documented changes

27
Q

Natural Experiment Strengths

A

1) Very realistic

2) Very diverse
(nature does some things that we can’t recreate)

28
Q

Causes vs Mechanism

A

Causes = what brings about effects

Mechanism = How the cause brings about an effect

Cause —– (Mechanism) —-> Effect

29
Q

Explanation vs Description

A

Explanation = The why something happens

Description = The what that happens

30
Q

Proof

A

Has no meaning in science

–> All science is tentative

31
Q

Scientific Method

A

A myth or misconception: No single method all scientists use to conduct research

32
Q

Argument

A

The use of claims, evidence, and reasoning to convince others

33
Q

Inference

A

A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

34
Q

Fact

A

A confirmed observation: Can change

35
Q
A

BIO 201 (12 decks)

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