What is Science
Independent
If you add various amounts of fertilizer to plants in a laboratory, the fertilizer would be a ______ variable.
Theory
a well-tested and widely accepted explanation; consolidates widely-supported, related hypotheses
Biodiversity
the cumulative number and diversity of living things; human actions have driven many species extinct; biodiversity is declining dramatically
Controlled Experiment
the effects of all variables are controlled; Except the independent variable whose effect is being tested
Quantitative Data
uses numbers and measurements
Natural Tests
show real-world complexity; results are not neat and clean; answers aren't black and white
Cassandras
some think things are much worse; predict doom and disaster
Independent Variable
variable that is manipulated
The Triple Bottom Line
sustainable solutions that meet: Environmental protection, Economic goals, & Social equity
Science
A systematic process for learning about the world and testing our understanding of it; The accumulated body of knowledge arising from the dynamic process of observation, testing, and discovery
Observational (descriptive) Science
Information is gathered (observed) about organisms, systems, processes, etc; Cannot be manipulated by experiments; Phenomena are observed and measured; Used in astronomy, paleontology, taxonomy, genomics, epidemiology
Hypothesis-driven Science
Targeted research- Asks a particular question and predicts an answer; Experiments test hypotheses using the scientific method; Results of experiment shape the course of the research
Sustainable Development
The use of resources to satisfy current needs, without compromising future availability of resources
Variable
a condition that can change or be manipulated
Paradigm Shift
a dramatic upheaval in thought; changes the dominant viewpoint
Control
a non-manipulated point of comparison
Experiments
better at producing a strong body of evidence to support causation; important to all fields of science, though not always possible (or ethical)
Dependent Variable
depends on the independent variable
Qualitative Data
focuses on subjective, quality related variables
Correlations
important for establishing relationships between events; relies on statistical relationships to typically establish attribution rather than causation.
Scientific Method
makes an observation; asks questions; hypothesis; predictions; results
Cornucopians
many people think environmental conditions are better; human ingenuity will solve any problem
Manipulative Experiments
yield the strongest evidence; can reveal causal relationships; lots of things can't be manipulated
