Characteristics of a Good Scientific Question

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11 Questions

What is the main purpose of a scientific investigatory project?

Collecting and interpreting data systematically

How can a scientific problem statement be described?

A question sparking curiosity and leading to a hypothesis

Why is it important for a scientific investigatory project problem statement to be testable?

To allow for experimentation and hypothesis testing

In what way does scientific research contribute to science?

By systematically collecting, interpreting, and evaluating data

Which type of question can be answered by conducting an experiment?

"Does water boil at 100°C?"

What makes a good scientific question?

It leads to other questions when answered

Which of the following is an example of a good scientific question?

Will using fertilizer make plants taller?

Why is 'Where does the sun come from?' considered a poor scientific question?

It cannot be tested

Which type of question is 'How will human skin react to solar radiation with and without SPF 30 sunscreen?'

Testable and specific

Why is 'Will fertilizer make grass grow greener?' not as good as 'What types of fertilizer will make grass grow greener?'

The first question lacks specificity

Which inherent quality should a good scientific question possess?

Being able to be tested or measured

Study Notes

Scientific Investigatory Project

  • The main purpose of a scientific investigatory project is to find solutions to real-world problems through scientific inquiry and experimentation.

Problem Statement

  • A scientific problem statement can be described as a concise and clear description of the problem that the project aims to solve.
  • A good problem statement should be testable, allowing for the formulation of hypotheses and the collection of data to support or reject them.

Importance of Testability

  • The testability of a problem statement is crucial because it enables the collection of data to support or reject hypotheses, leading to meaningful conclusions and solutions.

Contribution to Science

  • Scientific research contributes to science by generating new knowledge, theories, and principles that explain natural phenomena and improve our understanding of the world.

Types of Questions

  • Experiments can answer questions that begin with "How," "What," or "Why," such as "How does solar radiation affect human skin with and without SPF 30 sunscreen?"
  • A good scientific question should be specific, concise, and answerable through experimentation and data collection.

Characteristics of Good Scientific Questions

  • A good scientific question should possess inherent qualities such as being concise, specific, and testable.
  • Examples of good scientific questions include "How will human skin react to solar radiation with and without SPF 30 sunscreen?" and "What types of fertilizer will make grass grow greener?"
  • Poor scientific questions lack specificity and testability, such as "Where does the sun come from?" which is too broad and vague.
  • "Will fertilizer make grass grow greener?" is not as good as "What types of fertilizer will make grass grow greener?" because it is too simplistic and lacks specificity.

Learn about the key attributes of a good scientific question, including having a testable answer and the ability to be tested through experiments or measurements. Explore examples to better understand what makes a scientific question effective.

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