General Biology Exam 1 Review: The Science of Life and Scientific Thinking

Lecture 1: The Science of Life

The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a systematic approach used by scientists to investigate natural phenomena, acquire new knowledge, or correct and integrate previous knowledge. It relies on empirical and measurable evidence.

• Observation: Information is obtained using one of the five senses, leading to a question about why the world is the way it is.

• Question: Formulate a question based on observations.

• Hypothesis: A tentative explanation for a specific phenomenon that has been observed.

• Experiment: A scientific test intended to investigate the hypothesis, providing data to support or refute it.

• Data Collection: Gather data between a control group and an experimental group.

• Analysis and Conclusion: Infer and deduce conclusions based on the data. Conclusions can lead to further questions and repeated experiments.

Example: Testing whether a new fertilizer increases plant growth by comparing treated and untreated plants.

Infer vs. Deduce

Both inference and deduction are reasoning processes used in science, but they differ in approach.

• Infer: To make a conclusion based upon facts or evidence. Example: Seeing smoke and inferring there is a fire.

• Deduce: To determine by deductive reasoning, applying a general principle to a specific situation. Example: All dogs have ears (general principle); therefore, golden retrievers have ears (specific case).

Opinions vs. Facts

• Fact: A verifiable piece of information considered to be objective and supported by current evidence. Example: Smoking can cause a variety of health ailments.

• Opinion: An expression of judgment or belief about something, often subjective. Example: Pitbulls are the most dangerous dogs alive (cannot be objectively verified).

Evaluating Media Articles

To assess the validity of scientific claims in media articles, consider the quality and reliability of the information.

• Peer Review: The evaluation of work by one or more people with similar competencies. Peer-reviewed articles are considered more reliable.

• Source Reliability: Prefer information from known, reputable, and unbiased sources.

• Up-to-date Information: Ensure the information is current.

• Expert Authorship: Check if the article is authored by a reputable expert in the field.

• Bias-Free: Reliable scientific information should be free of bias.

CRAAP Test

The CRAAP Test is a tool for evaluating the credibility of sources:

• Currency: Timeliness of the information.

• Relevance: Importance of the information for your needs.

• Authority: Source of the information.

• Accuracy: Reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content.

• Purpose: The reason the information exists.

Example: When reading a news article about a new medical treatment, use the CRAAP test to determine if the information is trustworthy.

*Additional info: The notes continue with further topics such as the characteristics of life, organization of life, pseudoscience vs. valid science, and more, which are standard content in a General Biology course. The above content covers the first part of the review notes as shown in the provided images.*