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Questions and Answers
What is a key characteristic of a scientific statement?
What is a key characteristic of a scientific statement?
Which part of the scientific method follows after stating the problem?
Which part of the scientific method follows after stating the problem?
What distinguishes a controlled experiment from other types of experiments?
What distinguishes a controlled experiment from other types of experiments?
What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?
What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?
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What role does the control setup play in a controlled experiment?
What role does the control setup play in a controlled experiment?
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Which of the following is considered a limitation of science?
Which of the following is considered a limitation of science?
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What is required for a hypothesis to evolve into a scientific theory?
What is required for a hypothesis to evolve into a scientific theory?
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Which statement is true about scientific laws?
Which statement is true about scientific laws?
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What does it mean for a scientific question to be verifiable?
What does it mean for a scientific question to be verifiable?
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In the context of scientific inquiry, what does specificity refer to?
In the context of scientific inquiry, what does specificity refer to?
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Study Notes
Definition of Science
- A system for acquiring knowledge through observation and experimentation.
- Uses knowledge application to improve societal conditions.
- Refers to both an organized body of knowledge and systematic study.
- Involves exploration of natural phenomena and creation.
Characteristics of Scientific Statements
- Must be falsifiable, allowing for potential disproval.
- Verifiability: Can the statement be proven false?
- Specificity: Clear means of verification stated.
- Credibility: Based on tentative truths or credible scientific sources.
The Scientific Method
- A systematic, step-by-step process for investigating natural occurrences.
- Key steps include:
- Observations
- Problem identification
- Hypothesis formulation
- Experimentation
- Result gathering and analysis
- Drawing conclusions
Controlled Experiments
- Aim to investigate cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating one variable at a time.
- Structure includes:
- Control setup: Baseline setup with no variable changes.
- Experimental setup: Similar to control but includes independent variable affecting the dependent variable.
- Running both setups allows for comparison and insight into variable effects.
Scientific Theories and Laws
-
Scientific Theory:
- Explanation based on extensive observations and investigations.
- Evolves from a hypothesis after numerous supporting data trials.
- Not permanent; subject to change with new evidence.
-
Scientific Law:
- Descriptive statement about consistent natural phenomena.
- Explains what happens under certain conditions but not why.
- Example: Law of gravity states that masses attract each other, while various theories explain the mechanism.
Limitations of Science
- Science does not address all questions or problems.
- Scientific questions must be testable and verifiable.
- Non-scientific questions involve opinions, values, and emotions and cannot be tested scientifically.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of science, including its definition, methods of acquiring knowledge, and its role in society. It discusses the systematic study of natural phenomena and how knowledge is applied for societal improvement. Test your understanding of what makes a statement scientific.