Observations, Experiments, Theories & Models

Question 1

What is empirical evidence?

Answer 1

Evidence obtained through study, research & observation.

Question 2

Empiricism vs Rationalism

Answer 2

Empiricism- knowledge gained through sensory experiences. NB: Aristotle
Rationalism- Knowledge comes from reason, logic, intuition, and innate knowledge. NB: Plato

Question 3

What are the 2 types of observations/research?

Answer 3

Qualitative- using senses to gather data
Quantitative- measureable data

Eg. The road is long vs. the road is 5km.

Question 4

What is a scientific fact?

Answer 4

Observations that have been repeatedly confirmed through observations & testing and accepted as an undeniably true statement.

May be true or false but can be proven (substantial evidence)

Truth in science is never final and can always be falsified

Question 5

What is an experiment?

Answer 5

A test or trial that produces evidence that can be used to answer a question or test a hyothesis.

Independent & Dependent variables

Question 6

Observation vs. Experiments

Answer 6

Observations entails being a passive researcher.

Experiments don’t just observe as you’re an active participant.

Question 7

What are the key types of experiments?

Answer 7

• Controlled- artificial environment
• Field- natural environment

Question 8

Who is a main contributor of scientific experiments?

Answer 8

William Harvey

Question 9

Scientific law vs theory

Answer 9

A scientific law is a statement that describes a range of observations and experimental results. A scientific theory is an explanation for those observations and results.

Theories don’t become laws and vice versa however the development of one often triggers the progress of another

Question 10

What is a scientific model?

Answer 10

A representation of an object or a system imagined mechanism either scaled up or down. Eg. Model of solar system or virus particle

Question 11

What are some types of models?

Answer 11

• Physical
• Mathematical
• Conceptual