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)

A

True

24
Q

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

A

mathematical

25
Q

An idea of how linked computers could act like a network of a nerve cell is an example of a ____ model

A

conceptual

26
Q

Association study (definition)

A

tests relationship between two variables
No variables manipulated

27
Q

Comparison study (definition)

A

tests for differences in one more variable between two or more groups or conditions
no variables manipulated

28
Q

Causation experiment (definition)

A

tests for casual relationship by randomizing units to at least two conditions: treatment + control
Variables are manipulated by the researcher

29
Q

Natural “experiment” (definition)

A

tests occur in the real world
Variables are manipulated by nature, not the researcher

30
Q

What is the order that most accurately reflects the working process of scientists?

A

make observations – make inferences – build model – form hypothesis – test hypothesis

31
Q

A scientific theory can include one or more scientific laws (T/F)

A

True

32
Q

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)

A

False

33
Q

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)

A

True

34
Q

Science has limits (T/F)

A

True

35
Q

Science is limited to

A

the natural world

36
Q

The only way to produce scientific knowledge is through experiments (T/F)

A

False

37
Q

Explanations (definition)

A

the causes that account for why something happens

38
Q

Three major types of explanations

A

backward-looking
downward-looing
upward-looking

39
Q

Backward-looking explanation (definition)

A

going back in time to find out what sequence of events casually led to the existence of this phenomena

40
Q

Downward-looking explanation (definition)

A

how does something work – molecular functions

41
Q

Upward-looking explanation (definition)

A

impact this phenomenon has on the particular group studied

42
Q

Characteristics of a strong biological explanation

A

Specify the causes that bring about the phenomena
include more than one type of explanation

43
Q

Characteristics of a Weak Biological Explanation

A

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