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Questions and Answers
A team of researchers observes that a specific species of plant consistently grows taller in shaded areas compared to areas with direct sunlight. After formulating a hypothesis, designing an experiment, and analyzing the collected data, the team concludes that limited sun exposure promotes increased height in this plant species. Based on this, what would be the most logical next step in furthering their understanding?
A team of researchers observes that a specific species of plant consistently grows taller in shaded areas compared to areas with direct sunlight. After formulating a hypothesis, designing an experiment, and analyzing the collected data, the team concludes that limited sun exposure promotes increased height in this plant species. Based on this, what would be the most logical next step in furthering their understanding?
- Develop a scientific law stating that this plant species will always grow taller in the shade.
- Develop a scientific theory explaining the underlying mechanisms of the plant's growth response to shade. (correct)
- Disregard the data, as plant growth is a highly variable phenomenon and the results are likely coincidental.
- Publish the findings immediately, as the conclusion is supported by the experimental data.
Which statement best exemplifies abductive reasoning in a scientific context?
Which statement best exemplifies abductive reasoning in a scientific context?
- Hypothesizing that a patient's symptoms are caused by a rare disease because it best fits all the known symptoms. (correct)
- Predicting the trajectory of a ball based on the laws of physics.
- Determining the boiling point of water at sea level through multiple experiments.
- Concluding that all swans are white after observing thousands of white swans.
A pharmaceutical company discovers a new drug that shows promise in treating a previously incurable disease. To adhere to the principles of ethical scientific research, what steps should the company prioritize?
A pharmaceutical company discovers a new drug that shows promise in treating a previously incurable disease. To adhere to the principles of ethical scientific research, what steps should the company prioritize?
- Selective report on the drug's trial results, emphasizing positive outcomes while downplaying negative side effects to investors.
- Immediately market the drug to generate revenue for further research, without disclosing all potential side effects.
- Offer the drug exclusively to countries with less stringent regulatory oversight to expedite its availability to patients.
- Conduct rigorous, unbiased, and transparent clinical trials to assess the drug's safety and efficacy, and publicly release all data. (correct)
A physicist formulates a new theory that challenges the established understanding of gravity. What would be the most crucial step for the scientific community to take in evaluating this theory?
A physicist formulates a new theory that challenges the established understanding of gravity. What would be the most crucial step for the scientific community to take in evaluating this theory?
In the context of scientific research, what is the primary distinction between a scientific law and a scientific theory?
In the context of scientific research, what is the primary distinction between a scientific law and a scientific theory?
A climatologist develops a complex computer simulation to model the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on global temperatures. What is the primary purpose of using such a model in this scientific investigation?
A climatologist develops a complex computer simulation to model the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on global temperatures. What is the primary purpose of using such a model in this scientific investigation?
A researcher aims to determine the effectiveness of a new fertilizer on crop yield. To ensure accurate and precise measurements, which factor is most critical?
A researcher aims to determine the effectiveness of a new fertilizer on crop yield. To ensure accurate and precise measurements, which factor is most critical?
A marine biologist observes that coral reefs are dying at an alarming rate in several locations around the world. Based on these observations, the biologist proposes the hypothesis that increased ocean acidity is the primary cause. What would be the most effective approach to test this hypothesis?
A marine biologist observes that coral reefs are dying at an alarming rate in several locations around the world. Based on these observations, the biologist proposes the hypothesis that increased ocean acidity is the primary cause. What would be the most effective approach to test this hypothesis?
Flashcards
Scientific Method
Scientific Method
A series of steps to investigate phenomena and test hypotheses.
Empiricism
Empiricism
The act of observation and experimentation to gather evidence.
Scientific Laws
Scientific Laws
Concise statements describing observed phenomena under specific conditions.
Scientific Theories
Scientific Theories
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Scientific Models
Scientific Models
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Induction
Induction
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Deduction
Deduction
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Ethics in Science
Ethics in Science
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Study Notes
Scientific Method
- Science is a systematic way of acquiring knowledge about the natural world.
- Empiricism is the act of observation and/or experimentation to gather evidence for a hypothesis, theory, or law.
- The scientific method involves a series of steps to investigate phenomena and test hypotheses: observation, forming a question, forming a hypothesis, designing experiments, collecting data, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.
Branches of Science
- The various sciences are grouped into broad categories:
- Physical Sciences: study of non-living matter (physics, astronomy, chemistry).
- Biological Sciences: study of living organisms (biology, zoology, botany).
- Earth Sciences: study of the Earth and its processes (geology, meteorology, oceanography).
- There are also interdisciplinary fields, such as environmental science, which combine multiple branches.
Scientific Laws
- A scientific law describes an observed phenomenon and what occurs under specific conditions, it is typically a concise statement about a relationship between variables.
- Laws explain what will happen, but they do not explain why.
- Examples include Newton's laws of motion and the law of conservation of energy.
Scientific Theories
- A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.
- Theories are based on numerous lines of evidence and testing over time.
- Theories explain why something happens.
- Examples include the theory of evolution and the theory of plate tectonics.
Scientific Models
- A scientific model is a representation in words, symbols, diagrams, or objects of a concept, process, system, or structure.
- They are used to communicate and visualize phenomena that are complex or not easily observed directly.
- Models range from simple analogies to complex computer simulations.
Scientific Measurement
- Measurement is essential to scientific inquiry.
- Measurable quantities are properties that can be assigned a number.
- Accurate and precise measurement is integral to obtaining reliable data.
- Units of measurement are standardized to facilitate comparison and communication between scientists.
Scientific Reasoning
- Induction is the process of drawing a general conclusion from specific observations.
- Deduction is the process of reaching a specific conclusion using inductive or prior knowledge.
- Abductive reasoning involves selecting the most probable explanation from various possibilities.
Ethics in Science
- Scientific research should be conducted ethically. This means adherence to codes of conduct and values in all aspects of the research process. The welfare of humans and animals in experiments should be prioritized. Issues such as data manipulation, conflict of interest, and plagiarism should be avoided.
Scientific Communication
- Scientists disseminate their findings through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and presentations.
- This process allows for scrutiny and validation within the scientific community.
- Open communication is vital to maintaining the integrity and credibility of scientific knowledge.
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Description
Explore the scientific method: observation, questioning, hypothesis, experimentation, and analysis. Discover branches of science: physical, biological, earth, and interdisciplinary fields. Understand scientific laws.
