U1 Definitions Flashcards
Pattern
Observable features of the natural world that occur repeatedly
–> Based on observation (the “what”)
Processes
Include the causes of a pattern
–> Based on inferences, logic, deduction, and explanation (the “why”)
Law
A descriptive generalization about the world (the what):
–> Repeated patterns (“what happens”)
–> “Cookbook science”
Theory
Explanations for the laws (the why):
–> Well substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world
Explanation
Causal accounts of why something happens (doesn’t always become a theory)
Model
A tool built using observations and inferences that advances understanding and helps to build an explanation
Hypothesis
Testable statements (can be shown to be supported or falsified)
–> Used to test if the model is supported or not
Prediction
Will always have a TIME element
(when, will, if, then)
Order of Reasoning
Observation + Inferences = Model
Model –> Hypotheses –> Test = Explanation
Characteristics of Good Scientific Model
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
Physical Models
Build in the “real world”: Tangible
(EX: Organismal models –> Mice)
Conceptual Models
Drawings or diagrams that are used to advance understanding for the used of the model
Mathematical Models
Quantitative indicators using numerical symbols
(EX: computer simulations)
Association Study
Tests for relationships between variables (correlation)
–> No manipulation of variables
Comparison Study
Tests for differences in one or more variables between 2+ conditions or groups
–> No manipulation of variables
–> No random assignment or control group
Causation (True) Experiment
Tests for a causal relationship by randomizing units to at least 2 conditions: treatment and control
–> Variables ARE manipulated
Natural Experiment
Test that occurs in the “real world”
–> Variables are manipulated (by nature)
Bounded Nature of Science
The idea that science isn’t able to test whether the supernatural exists
–> Science has limits
Backward Looking Explanation
Uses history to explain a phenomenon
–> Origins, looking back in time
Downward Looking Explanation
Go deeper (to smaller scales) to explain phenomena
Upward Looking Explanation
Considering the entire organism and how the phenomenon relates to the organism itself
–> Larger scope/bigger context
Characteristics of Strong Explanations
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
Characteristics of Weak Explanations
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
Association Study Weakness
Correlation cannot show causation
Causation Experiment Weakness
1) Can show causal relationships but this may not explain the WHY yet
2) Cannot be conducted in many cases due to ethical issues
Natural Experiment Weakness
No controls
–> Difficult to determine certainty that the event was the true cause of documented changes
Natural Experiment Strengths
1) Very realistic
2) Very diverse
(nature does some things that we can’t recreate)
Causes vs Mechanism
Causes = what brings about effects
Mechanism = How the cause brings about an effect
Cause —– (Mechanism) —-> Effect
Explanation vs Description
Explanation = The why something happens
Description = The what that happens
Proof
Has no meaning in science
–> All science is tentative
Scientific Method
A myth or misconception: No single method all scientists use to conduct research
Argument
The use of claims, evidence, and reasoning to convince others
Inference
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning
Fact
A confirmed observation: Can change
