U1 Definitions

Question 1

Pattern

Answer 1

Observable features of the natural world that occur repeatedly

–> Based on observation (the “what”)

Question 2

Processes

Answer 2

Include the causes of a pattern

–> Based on inferences, logic, deduction, and explanation (the “why”)

Question 3

Law

Answer 3

A descriptive generalization about the world (the what):

–> Repeated patterns (“what happens”)
–> “Cookbook science”

Question 4

Theory

Answer 4

Explanations for the laws (the why):

–> Well substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world

Question 5

Explanation

Answer 5

Causal accounts of why something happens (doesn’t always become a theory)

Question 6

Model

Answer 6

A tool built using observations and inferences that advances understanding and helps to build an explanation

Question 7

Hypothesis

Answer 7

Testable statements (can be shown to be supported or falsified)

–> Used to test if the model is supported or not

Question 8

Prediction

Answer 8

Will always have a TIME element

(when, will, if, then)

Question 9

Order of Reasoning

Answer 9

Observation + Inferences = Model

Model –> Hypotheses –> Test = Explanation

Question 10

Characteristics of Good Scientific Model

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Physical Models

Answer 11

Build in the “real world”: Tangible

(EX: Organismal models –> Mice)

Question 12

Conceptual Models

Answer 12

Drawings or diagrams that are used to advance understanding for the used of the model

Question 13

Mathematical Models

Answer 13

Quantitative indicators using numerical symbols

(EX: computer simulations)

Question 14

Association Study

Answer 14

Tests for relationships between variables (correlation)

–> No manipulation of variables

Question 15

Comparison Study

Answer 15

Tests for differences in one or more variables between 2+ conditions or groups

–> No manipulation of variables
–> No random assignment or control group

Question 16

Causation (True) Experiment

Answer 16

Tests for a causal relationship by randomizing units to at least 2 conditions: treatment and control

–> Variables ARE manipulated

Question 17

Natural Experiment

Answer 17

Test that occurs in the “real world”

–> Variables are manipulated (by nature)

Question 18

Bounded Nature of Science

Answer 18

The idea that science isn’t able to test whether the supernatural exists

–> Science has limits

Question 19

Backward Looking Explanation

Answer 19

Uses history to explain a phenomenon

–> Origins, looking back in time

Question 20

Downward Looking Explanation

Answer 20

Go deeper (to smaller scales) to explain phenomena

Question 21

Upward Looking Explanation

Answer 21

Considering the entire organism and how the phenomenon relates to the organism itself

–> Larger scope/bigger context

Question 22

Characteristics of Strong Explanations

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Characteristics of Weak Explanations

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Association Study Weakness

Answer 24

Correlation cannot show causation

Question 25

Causation Experiment Weakness

Answer 25

1) Can show causal relationships but this may not explain the WHY yet 2) Cannot be conducted in many cases due to ethical issues

Question 26

Natural Experiment Weakness

Answer 26

No controls --> Difficult to determine certainty that the event was the true cause of documented changes

Question 27

Natural Experiment Strengths

Answer 27

1) Very realistic 2) Very diverse (nature does some things that we can't recreate)

Question 28

Causes vs Mechanism

Answer 28

Causes = what brings about effects Mechanism = How the cause brings about an effect Cause ----- (Mechanism) ----> Effect

Question 29

Explanation vs Description

Answer 29

Explanation = The why something happens Description = The what that happens

Question 30

Proof

Answer 30

Has no meaning in science --> All science is tentative

Question 31

Scientific Method

Answer 31

A myth or misconception: No single method all scientists use to conduct research

Question 32

Argument

Answer 32

The use of claims, evidence, and reasoning to convince others

Question 33

Inference

Answer 33

A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

Question 34

Fact

Answer 34

A confirmed observation: Can change