Scientific Method quiz #2 Flashcards
Scientific Method quiz #2
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Which of the following statements is an explanation: a prediction, a hypothesis, or a theory?
A hypothesis is an explanation as it provides a testable explanation for an observation. Which of these hypotheses is best supported by observations of this animal: the animal is nocturnal, the animal is diurnal, or the animal is crepuscular?
The best-supported hypothesis would be the one that aligns with the observed activity patterns of the animal, such as being active at night for nocturnal behavior. What is the first step in the scientific method?
The first step in the scientific method is making an observation. What distinguishes a hypothesis from a prediction?
A hypothesis provides a testable explanation for an observation, while a prediction forecasts the outcome of an event. What is the role of peer review in the scientific method?
Peer review involves having peers check the scientific method process for errors and validate the findings before publication. What is a theory in the context of the scientific method?
A theory is a broad hypothesis supported by a large body of evidence and many observations. Why can hypotheses and theories never be proven true?
Hypotheses and theories can never be proven true because they can always be falsified by future findings. What is the cell theory in biology?
The cell theory states that all living organisms are made up of cells and all cells come from pre-existing cells. What does the homeostasis theory propose?
The homeostasis theory proposes that all living organisms have the ability to maintain relatively consistent internal environments. What does the theory of evolution suggest about living organisms?
The theory of evolution suggests that all living organisms evolved from a single common ancestor. What is the scientific method and why is it important in science?
The scientific method is a systematic procedure used by scientists to answer questions, test ideas, and gain scientific knowledge. It ensures that information is reliable and trustworthy because it is based on evidence and repeatable steps. What is the difference between a hypothesis and a prediction?
A hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observation that answers both what will happen and why it will happen, while a prediction is an expected outcome that only answers what will happen. What should you do if your experiment does not support your hypothesis?
You should reject the original hypothesis and repeat the scientific method by making new observations, asking new questions, and formulating a new hypothesis. How is a theory different from a hypothesis?
A theory is a broad, testable explanation supported by a large body of evidence and many observations, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable explanation for a single observation. What is the cell theory in biology?
The cell theory states that all living organisms are made up of cells and all cells come from pre-existing cells. Summarize the theory of evolution.
The theory of evolution states that all living organisms evolved from a single common ancestor. Why is the word 'all' important in biological theories like cell theory and homeostasis theory?
The word 'all' indicates that the theory applies broadly to every living organism, making it a general explanation. What is the role of an experiment in the scientific method?
An experiment is designed and conducted to test the hypothesis and prediction. What should a good hypothesis include?
A good hypothesis should be testable and provide an explanation that answers both what will happen and why it will happen. Give an example of a hypothesis.
The motorcycle stopped working because it ran out of gas; if you add gas, it will work again. Why is it important that hypotheses are testable?
Testability allows scientists to design experiments to determine if the hypothesis should be accepted or rejected. What happens if peer review finds errors in a scientific study?
The study must be revised or corrected before it can be published. What is an observation in the context of the scientific method?
An observation is noticing something in the natural world that leads to a question. What is meant by 'drawing conclusions' in the scientific method?
It means deciding whether the results support or refute the hypothesis. What is the significance of publishing scientific results?
Publishing allows other scientists to review, replicate, and build upon the findings. How does the scientific method help prevent bias in science?
By requiring evidence, repeatable steps, and peer review, it minimizes personal bias. Why is it important that scientific theories remain open to falsification?
It allows science to adapt and improve as new evidence becomes available. How does the theory of evolution exemplify a scientific theory?
It is broad, explains many observations, and is supported by extensive evidence, but remains open to falsification. Why do scientific theories use broad language like 'all' or 'every'?
Because they aim to explain phenomena that apply universally to a group or category. How does the scientific method contribute to the reliability of scientific knowledge?
By using systematic, repeatable steps and peer review, it ensures knowledge is based on evidence. Why is it important for experiments to be repeatable?
Repeatability ensures that results are consistent and not due to random chance. How does the homeostasis theory apply to all living organisms?
It states that all living organisms maintain relatively stable internal environments. Why is peer review a critical step before publishing scientific results?
It ensures the research is valid, reliable, and free from major errors. How does the scientific method ensure objectivity in scientific research?
By relying on evidence, repeatable procedures, and independent peer review. Why can predictions be correct or incorrect, but hypotheses and theories cannot be proven true?
Predictions are specific outcomes that can be observed directly, while hypotheses and theories are broader explanations that can only be supported or falsified. How does the cell theory demonstrate the characteristics of a scientific theory?
It is broad, applies to all living organisms, and is supported by extensive evidence. How does the scientific method handle hypotheses that are not supported by data?
Such hypotheses are rejected, and new hypotheses are formulated and tested. Why is it important for scientific knowledge to be published?
Publishing allows others to verify, replicate, and build upon the research, advancing scientific understanding. How does the theory of evolution differ from the hypothesis of evolution?
The theory of evolution is a broad explanation supported by extensive evidence, while a hypothesis of evolution would be a specific, testable explanation for a particular observation. Why is it important for scientific theories to be based on many observations?
Multiple observations increase the reliability and generalizability of the theory.
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