Question 1

Which step in the scientific method involves making an educated guess that explains an observation?

Accepted Answer

Form a hypothesis

Question 2

A researcher observes that sailors who eat citrus fruits do not develop scurvy. What is the next step in the scientific method after this observation?

Accepted Answer

Form a hypothesis

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A consensus drawn from repeated experiments explaining why a phenomenon occurs

Question 4

In the context of nutrition, why is it important for experiments to be repeated and evaluated by other researchers?

Accepted Answer

To minimize bias and confirm reliability of findings

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for an idea to be considered scientific?

Accepted Answer

It must be accepted by popular opinion

Question 6

A student hypothesizes that eating apple peels causes mouth itching, but cooking the peel removes the itch factor. Which experiment would best test this hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Puree a fresh apple with skin, cook half, and compare itching after consuming raw and cooked puree

Question 7

Which historical event led to the identification of vitamin C as the cure for scurvy?

Accepted Answer

Discovery of vitamin C in 1928

Question 8

Which of the following is a characteristic of pure science?

Accepted Answer

It explains how the natural world works

Question 9

Why did scurvy continue to affect some sailors even after lemon juice was distributed?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin C was not always present in the distributed juice

Question 10

Which of the following best illustrates the application of the scientific method in nutrition research?

Accepted Answer

Developing a hypothesis about food intake and designing an experiment to test it

Question 11

Which step in the scientific method involves reviewing published research to ensure the new study advances the field?

Accepted Answer

Do background research

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a testable scientific idea?

Accepted Answer

A sparrow’s song is genetically-encoded or learned

Question 13

What is the main reason scientists seek consensus through repeated experiments?

Accepted Answer

To ensure findings are reliable and broadly accepted

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT part of the cell theory?

Accepted Answer

Cells can spontaneously generate from non-living matter

Question 15

Which scientific theory explains how species change over time through the accumulation of advantageous traits?

Accepted Answer

Theory of evolution

Question 16

Which equation best represents the process of hypothesis testing in science?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Observation} ightarrow 	ext{Hypothesis} ightarrow 	ext{Experiment} ightarrow 	ext{Analysis}$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a key feature of science that distinguishes it from tradition or dogma?

Accepted Answer

Science relies on evidence and is open to revision

Question 18

A scientific community is important because it:

Accepted Answer

Provides checks and balances and builds cumulative knowledge

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of applied science?

Accepted Answer

Developing a new technology to solve a nutritional deficiency

Question 20

Which scientific theory explains the origin and expansion of the universe?

Accepted Answer

Big Bang theory

The Science of Nutrition: Foundations and the Scientific Method

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