Exam 1

Exam 1 Study Guide
SCI 1101
While not intended to cover every possible question, the material below should help you in focusing your study efforts for the upcoming exam. Do not overlook the textbook and any outside readings (if applicable).
The Nature of
Science
(1.) Explain why scientists can disagree on conclusions if provided with the same data.
(2.) List and describe some assumptions of science, and describe the nature of “proof” in science. (3.) Diagram and explain the steps involved in the scientifi c method.
(4.) Compare and contrast the public and scientific meanings of “theory”.
(5.) Explain how science is a dynamic discipline using the organization of the solar system as an example.
(6.) Identify independent, dependent, and controlling variables i n a given experiment, and explain the need for replication in scientific experiments.
Human Nature
(1.) Explain the ultimate goal of all organisms, and how this goal affects their behaviors.
(2.) Explain how we humans unconsciously follow these behavioral tendencies. (3.) Compare and contrast the costs/benefits to the individual and society in a "green" lifestyle vs. a traditional lifestyle, and use this to explain why so few people adopt sustainable lifestyles.
Economics and the Environment
(1.) Compare and contrast capitalism and communism, and summarize the conflict between these competing economic systems that played out over the past 50 years.
(2.) Describe the basics of capitalism (profits, costs, revenues, etc.).
(3.) Explain how CEO’s are compensa ted (stock prices and options).
(4.) Explain why it is in the best interest of industry to pollute rather than operate in a sustainable manner, using one of the examples profiled in class.
(5.) Define the Tragedy of the Commons, highlighting the underlying problem that causes it.
Politics and the Environment
(1.) Explain why governmental environmental regulations are necessary.
(2.) Explain the process by which federal legislation is enacted.
(3.) Compare and contrast the three types of federal politicia ns mentioned in class.
(4.) Explain the three ways politicians work towards getting reelected.
(5.) Describe the importance of campaign contributions to politicians, where they get this money, how money can influence the passage of legislation at various s teps, and the
“return” given to contributors for their generosity.
(6.) Explain the benefits of seniority in congress.
(
7
.) Describe why the “educated public” approach to environmental issues is problematic in the modern world, and summarize your instructo r’ proposed solution for bettering environmental legislation in the United States.