Unit 1 Flashcards
fact
a confirmed observation; can change
theory
well-tested and substantial explanation. Stable, but can change
law
descriptive generalization about nature. Can be used to make predictions. Stable, but can change
proof
no meaning; all science is tentative
hypothesis
a statement capable of being falsified; not a question
scientific method
no such thing; there are a wide variety of ways to generate evidence-based understanding
model
a tool used to advance scientific understanding of a phenomenon by the user of the tool
argument (argumentation)
the use of claims. evidence, and reasoning (CER) to convince others
pattern
observable features of the natural world that occur repeatedly
processes
the cause of a pattern
laws are most closely related to
patterns
theories are most closely related to
processes
Theories become laws (T/F)
false. a theory and law cannot become one another due to the simple nature of their definitions
Theories generally lack evidence (T/F)
false. theories are generally well-supported and highly trusted means of explaining phenomenons
Theories are complex (T/F)
true. explanations are complex so are theories
Patterns emerge from repeated inferences about naturally occurring observations (T/F)
false. patterns are not inferences, they are observations.
Good models should
account for all data at hand
predict results of future tests
provide more insight into phenomena than already known
Three types of models
physical models
mathematical model
conceptual model
Physical model (definition)
real things we can experience & touch
Mathematical model (definition)
quantitative indicators of phenomena using numerical symbols
Conceptual model (definition)
drawings or diagrams used to advance understanding
In order to be a model, the tool must be used to
advance understanding of a system for the user of the tool
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)
True
Computer simulations of a biological process would be a type of _____ model
mathematical
An idea of how linked computers could act like a network of a nerve cell is an example of a ____ model
conceptual
Association study (definition)
tests relationship between two variables
No variables manipulated
Comparison study (definition)
tests for differences in one more variable between two or more groups or conditions
no variables manipulated
Causation experiment (definition)
tests for casual relationship by randomizing units to at least two conditions: treatment + control
Variables are manipulated by the researcher
Natural “experiment” (definition)
tests occur in the real world
Variables are manipulated by nature, not the researcher
What is the order that most accurately reflects the working process of scientists?
make observations – make inferences – build model – form hypothesis – test hypothesis
A scientific theory can include one or more scientific laws (T/F)
True
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
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
Science has limits (T/F)
True
Science is limited to
the natural world
The only way to produce scientific knowledge is through experiments (T/F)
False
Explanations (definition)
the causes that account for why something happens
Three major types of explanations
backward-looking
downward-looing
upward-looking
Backward-looking explanation (definition)
going back in time to find out what sequence of events casually led to the existence of this phenomena
Downward-looking explanation (definition)
how does something work – molecular functions
Upward-looking explanation (definition)
impact this phenomenon has on the particular group studied
Characteristics of a strong biological explanation
Specify the causes that bring about the phenomena
include more than one type of explanation
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
