Introduction to Science

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the role of empirical evidence in scientific conclusions?

It prioritizes theoretical frameworks over practical observations.
It guarantees conclusions are permanent and unchangeable.
It serves as the foundation for verifiable and data-driven conclusions. (correct)
It ensures conclusions align with popular opinion.

A researcher observes a new phenomenon that contradicts an existing, well-established theory. According to the principles of science, what should the researcher do?

Design experiments to further investigate the phenomenon and potentially revise the existing theory. (correct)
Suppress the findings to avoid controversy within the scientific community.
Ignore the observation to maintain the integrity of the existing theory.
Adjust the observation to fit within the existing theoretical framework.

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies the application of the scientific method?

Accepting traditional beliefs without questioning their validity.
Relying on personal intuition to solve a complex problem.
Systematically testing a hypothesis through experimentation and data analysis. (correct)
Forming conclusions based on anecdotal evidence and unsubstantiated claims.

How do the formal sciences contribute to the natural sciences?

By offering abstract systems for describing the world. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which discipline focuses on the study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter?

Chemistry (B) Signup and view all the answers

A political scientist is studying voting patterns in different countries. Which branch of science does this research fall under?

Social Science (B) Signup and view all the answers

A computer scientist is developing a new algorithm for data compression. Which branch of science is being applied?

Formal Science (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial step in the scientific method, and what does it primarily involve?

Observation, involving the systematic gathering of information about a phenomenon. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the iterative nature of the scientific method?

An experiment yields unexpected results, leading to a revised hypothesis and further experimentation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do scientific theories and scientific laws differ in their roles within the scientific framework?

Theories explain why phenomena occur, while laws describe what happens under specific conditions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher measures the length of a bacterium using a microscope. Which SI unit is most appropriate for expressing this measurement?

Micrometer (µm) (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which scientific tool would be most appropriate for studying the composition of a distant star?

Spectrometer (A) Signup and view all the answers

A study finds that the average height of students in a class is 165 cm with a standard deviation of 5 cm. What does the standard deviation indicate?

The spread of heights around the average height. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the emphasis on honesty and transparency in scientific research?

To maintain the credibility and trustworthiness of scientific findings. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A pharmaceutical company conducts clinical trials for a new drug but selectively publishes only the results that show the drug's effectiveness, while suppressing the results indicating adverse side effects. Which ethical principle is being violated?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

How can public understanding of science contribute to addressing societal challenges?

It enables citizens to make informed decisions about scientific issues. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of how scientific advancements have improved agriculture?

Development of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A research study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a new teaching method on student performance. Which of the following steps would best ensure objectivity in the data collection process?

Having researchers who are not involved in teaching the class grade the assignments. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Science?

A systematic approach to understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Steps of the Scientific Method

Observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, data analysis, and conclusion.

Natural Sciences

Study the physical world, including biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth science.

Biology

Explores living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.