TOK Natural Sciences Key Terms Exam Questions with Correct Answers

Anomaly - ANSWER-An observation that some how seems to contradict a generally accepted theory Causation - ANSWER-The causation of a phenomenon is what directly makes it occur. This is in distinct contrast to correlation, in which two phenomena are linked only by a third factor, or by accident Conjecture - ANSWER-An imaginative hypothesis Correlation - ANSWER-Unlike causation, correlation suggests that two events or phenomena are linked only because they both share a third factor, or simply because they have happened at the same or similar time. Deductive - ANSWER-General to specific. Based on reason and logical analysis of available facts Empirical/empiricist - ANSWER-Based on, concerned with, or verifable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic; someone who sees experience as the main source of knowledge Falsification - ANSWER-To disprove: any evidence that helps to establish the falsity of something Inductive - ANSWER-Particular to general. The scientific method is inductive Logical empiricism - ANSWER-A philosphy asserting the primacy of observation in assessing the truth of statements of fact holding that metaphysical and subjective arguments not based on observable data are meaningless. Also called logical positivism. Logic - ANSWER-Logic is formal reasoning, or reasoning that follows strict rules. Logical fallacies - ANSWER-A logical fallacy is an idea or assertion that uses flawed reasoning to arrive at its conclusion. Fallacies may occur by accident, or be used by people deliberately to persuade others of the dubious truth of what they are saying. Objectivity - ANSWER-The idea that "scientists", in attempting to uncover truths about the natural world, must aspire to eliminate personal biases, a priori commitments, emotional involvement, etc.