SCIENCE is the basis of many things we use and experience in everyday life. From the discovery of medicines to the development of technology, everything can be understood thanks to science.
Through science, we can study various aspects of life, from natural phenomena, the structure of the human body, to the mysteries of outer space.
The word science comes from the Latin scientia, which means “knowledge.” Science is an organized system of knowledge, obtained through the application of scientific methods.
The scientific method in science plays an important role, as if it is a “time machine” for scientists to continue exploring various things in an ongoing manner. Through this method, scientists ensure that each discovery can be tested in a logical and objective way.
In order to understand science, you need to know some of the characteristics that make it up. These characteristics are what make science trustworthy, measurable, and relevant for various needs of daily life.
Characteristics of Science
1. Objectivity
Science must be objective, meaning that the research carried out must be impartial and must be based on facts. To achieve this objectivity, researchers or scientists try to control variables and avoid errors that could affect the results of the research. With this characteristic, science produces accurate and reliable knowledge.
2. Repeatable Experiments
Experiments in science must be repeatable with the same results if carried out under similar conditions. This means that if one scientist performs a particular experiment, another scientist following the same procedures and materials should get a similar end result. This is important so that the research results can be trusted and verified by other parties.
3. Testable or Falsifiable
Scientific knowledge usually contains temporary answers that are based on data and observations, and are falsifiable (can be tested). This means that the answers that have been observed must be able to be tested and checked for correctness. If it turns out that the research results are wrong, then the answer cannot be considered part of science.
4. Have a concrete study object
Science studies concrete objects, namely those that can be observed and researched directly. The three main objects in science include:
- Physics, which includes natural objects and celestial bodies.
- Biology, which studies living things and fossils related to the structure and function of living things.
- Chemistry, which focuses on chemical substances and their properties and reactions.
5. Has an evidentiary basis
Science is knowledge based on testing and must be supported by clear evidence. Every object tested in science requires data or facts that can be proven to be true. If there is not sufficient evidence, the results of the research cannot be considered as fact.
These are the characteristics of science that you can understand. Through Science you can find out more about various phenomena around you.
Additionally, science can provide tested and trustworthy answers. This helps you to think more critically, and find out the answers to simple problems that come to mind. (Evulation Berkeley edu/Deepublishstore/Studysmater/Z-3)
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Lin, Science Communicator and Educator**
*Editor:* Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Lin! Many of our readers are curious about the essence of science and its significance in our everyday lives. Could you shed some light on the fundamental characteristics of science?
*Dr. Lin:* Absolutely! Science is the backbone of our understanding of the world, and it’s defined by a few key characteristics. Firstly, **objectivity** is crucial. Scientists aim to base their work on factual evidence rather than personal beliefs. This helps to ensure that their findings are trustworthy and unbiased.
*Editor:* That’s interesting! You mentioned objectivity. Can you explain how this is practically achieved in scientific research?
*Dr. Lin:* Certainly! Researchers control variables and follow strict protocols to minimize errors. This meticulous approach enables them to produce accurate findings that can be replicated. This brings us to the second characteristic: **repeatable experiments**. Any scientific experiment should yield the same results when repeated under similar conditions. This repetition strengthens the validity of the research.
*Editor:* That makes sense! Now, what about the concepts of being **testable or falsifiable**? How does that fit into the overall scientific process?
*Dr. Lin:* Great question! Scientific hypotheses must be testable; that means they can be supported or disproven through experimentation. This allows scientists to refine their theories based on new evidence. For instance, if a theory doesn’t hold up after repeated testing, it must be revised or discarded.
*Editor:* It seems that these characteristics not only build the foundation of scientific knowledge but also guide scientific inquiry. How do these principles affect our daily lives, especially in terms of trust in scientific information?
*Dr. Lin:* Exactly! The characteristics of science foster a reliable and measurable understanding of our world, which is essential for informed decision-making. Whether we’re talking about medical advancements, technological innovations, or environmental policies, grounded science helps us trust that the solutions we adopt are backed by rigorous evidence.
*Editor:* Thank you for explaining these concepts so clearly, Dr. Lin. Before we wrap up, do you have any advice for our readers on how to better engage with scientific knowledge in their everyday lives?
*Dr. Lin:* Absolutely! I encourage everyone to maintain a curious mindset and to seek out reliable scientific resources. Participating in community science initiatives or simply having discussions about scientific topics can also enhance understanding and appreciation of the world around us.
*Editor:* Thank you, Dr. Lin, for your insights and valuable advice! It’s clear that science is much more than just a discipline; it’s a critical tool for navigating life. We appreciate your time today!
*Dr. Lin:* Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing science with you.