Multiple Choice
Discovery-based science does not test hypotheses. Why is this approach useful to scientists?
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1. Introduction to Biology
Scientific Method
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Which statement best describes a scientific theory?
A
A prediction about the outcome of a single experiment.
B
A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence and has stood up to repeated testing.
C
A law that describes a universal relationship in nature.
D
A guess or assumption made without any supporting evidence.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the definition of a scientific theory. A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, supported by a large body of evidence and repeatedly tested through experiments and observations.
Step 2: Compare the definition of a scientific theory to the options provided in the problem. Eliminate choices that do not align with the definition.
Step 3: Analyze the first option, 'A prediction about the outcome of a single experiment.' This describes a hypothesis, not a scientific theory, so it can be eliminated.
Step 4: Analyze the third option, 'A law that describes a universal relationship in nature.' Scientific laws describe patterns or relationships but do not explain the underlying mechanisms, so this is not the correct description of a scientific theory.
Step 5: Analyze the fourth option, 'A guess or assumption made without any supporting evidence.' This is the opposite of a scientific theory, which is based on substantial evidence and testing. The correct answer is the second option: 'A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence and has stood up to repeated testing.'
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