Unit 1 Flashcards

1
Q

fact

A

a confirmed observation; can change

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2
Q

theory

A

well-tested and substantial explanation. Stable, but can change

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3
Q

law

A

descriptive generalization about nature. Can be used to make predictions. Stable, but can change

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4
Q

proof

A

no meaning; all science is tentative

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5
Q

hypothesis

A

a statement capable of being falsified; not a question

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6
Q

scientific method

A

no such thing; there are a wide variety of ways to generate evidence-based understanding

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7
Q

model

A

a tool used to advance scientific understanding of a phenomenon by the user of the tool

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8
Q

argument (argumentation)

A

the use of claims. evidence, and reasoning (CER) to convince others

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9
Q

pattern

A

observable features of the natural world that occur repeatedly

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10
Q

processes

A

the cause of a pattern

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11
Q

laws are most closely related to

A

patterns

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12
Q

theories are most closely related to

A

processes

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13
Q

Theories become laws (T/F)

A

false. a theory and law cannot become one another due to the simple nature of their definitions

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14
Q

Theories generally lack evidence (T/F)

A

false. theories are generally well-supported and highly trusted means of explaining phenomenons

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15
Q

Theories are complex (T/F)

A

true. explanations are complex so are theories

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16
Q

Patterns emerge from repeated inferences about naturally occurring observations (T/F)

A

false. patterns are not inferences, they are observations.

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17
Q

Good models should

A

account for all data at hand
predict results of future tests
provide more insight into phenomena than already known

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18
Q

Three types of models

A

physical models
mathematical model
conceptual model

19
Q

Physical model (definition)

A

real things we can experience & touch

20
Q

Mathematical model (definition)

A

quantitative indicators of phenomena using numerical symbols

21
Q

Conceptual model (definition)

A

drawings or diagrams used to advance understanding

22
Q

In order to be a model, the tool must be used to

A

advance understanding of a system for the user of the tool

23
Q

Scientists sometimes create conceptual models rather than physical models because in some cases it is easier to experiment on a conceptual model than a physical model (T/F)

24
Q

Computer simulations of a biological process would be a type of _____ model

A

mathematical

25
An idea of how linked computers could act like a network of a nerve cell is an example of a ____ model
conceptual
26
Association study (definition)
tests relationship between two variables No variables manipulated
27
Comparison study (definition)
tests for differences in one more variable between two or more groups or conditions no variables manipulated
28
Causation experiment (definition)
tests for casual relationship by randomizing units to at least two conditions: treatment + control Variables are manipulated by the researcher
29
Natural "experiment" (definition)
tests occur in the real world Variables are manipulated by nature, not the researcher
30
What is the order that most accurately reflects the working process of scientists?
make observations -- make inferences -- build model -- form hypothesis -- test hypothesis
31
A scientific theory can include one or more scientific laws (T/F)
True
32
Scientific studies are used to test hypotheses. These hypotheses, or educated guesses, are questions about explanations. Models are used to communicate the final explanation to others (T/F)
False
33
A hypothesis can never become a theory and a theory can never become a law. This is the case no matter how much evidence is available to prove they are true. (T/F)
True
34
Science has limits (T/F)
True
35
Science is limited to
the natural world
36
The only way to produce scientific knowledge is through experiments (T/F)
False
37
Explanations (definition)
the causes that account for why something happens
38
Three major types of explanations
backward-looking downward-looing upward-looking
39
Backward-looking explanation (definition)
going back in time to find out what sequence of events casually led to the existence of this phenomena
40
Downward-looking explanation (definition)
how does something work -- molecular functions
41
Upward-looking explanation (definition)
impact this phenomenon has on the particular group studied
42
Characteristics of a strong biological explanation
Specify the causes that bring about the phenomena include more than one type of explanation
43
Characteristics of a Weak Biological Explanation
vague or unclear about the causes that bring about the phenomenon or mostly describe rather than explain include only one type of explanation involve mismatches between the question being asked and the explanation type