Lab 1: Scientific Investigation
60 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of the scientific method?

  • To systematically answer questions about the natural world (correct)
  • To analyze data using statistics
  • To design an experiment or observational study
  • To prove a hypothesis is correct
  • What is a characteristic of a hypothesis in the scientific method?

  • It is a proven fact
  • It is a personal opinion
  • It is a testable possible explanation (correct)
  • It cannot be disproven
  • What is the next step after developing a hypothesis in the scientific method?

  • To draw conclusions about the hypothesis
  • To design an experiment or observational study (correct)
  • To report the findings
  • To test the predictions by collecting and analyzing data
  • What is the purpose of analyzing data in the scientific method?

    <p>To identify trends and patterns in the data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if the data do not support the hypothesis in the scientific method?

    <p>The hypothesis is re-evaluated and a new hypothesis is generated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to report the findings in the scientific method?

    <p>To share the results with others</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the final step of the scientific method?

    <p>To report the findings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the benefits of reporting one's findings in research?

    <p>To allow for peer-review and to build upon them</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between an experiment and an observational study?

    <p>The level of researcher involvement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might an observational study be preferred over an experiment?

    <p>It is often necessary due to logistical or ethical constraints</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary distinction between a hypothesis and a theory in the scientific community?

    <p>A hypothesis is an idea, while a theory is a well-supported model</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

    <p>To provide a baseline for comparison</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of a scientific theory?

    <p>It is a model supported by multiple independent researchers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the cyclical nature of the scientific method?

    <p>It is an ongoing process with potential revisions and refinements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is a control group necessary in an experiment?

    <p>To provide a basis for comparison with the experimental group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a placebo in a medical drug study?

    <p>To counteract the placebo effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is replication important in scientific experiments?

    <p>To ensure that the results are not due to chance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are confounding variables in an experiment?

    <p>Variables that are not controlled by the researcher but can impact the results</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of in vitro studies?

    <p>They allow for more control over variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between in vitro and in vivo studies?

    <p>In vitro studies use cell cultures, while in vivo studies use living organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to have a large sample size in an experiment?

    <p>To ensure that the results are representative of the population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of using model organisms in scientific studies?

    <p>To reduce logistical and ethical concerns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of randomization in experiments?

    <p>To reduce the chance of sample bias</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a p-value of less than 0.05 indicate in statistical analysis?

    <p>The differences between groups are real and not due to chance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main limitation of anecdotal evidence?

    <p>It usually involves a very small sample size and is prone to bias</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between correlation and causation?

    <p>Correlation shows a statistical relationship, while causation shows a cause-and-effect relationship</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the benefit of using double-blind experiments?

    <p>To reduce the potential for bias by both participants and researchers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are human studies ideal for answering questions about humans?

    <p>Because animal models may not react exactly the same as humans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of statistical analysis in experiments?

    <p>To determine if differences between groups are real or due to chance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of using model organisms over human studies?

    <p>Model organisms have fewer ethical and logistical concerns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A hypothesis is a statement that is already proven to be true.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The scientific method involves only observation and hypothesis formulation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A hypothesis can never be disproven.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Data analysis is the final step of the scientific method.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The scientific method is only used in natural sciences.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The scientific method involves only quantitative data analysis.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Reporting the findings is an optional step in the scientific method.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a scientific study, the purpose of a control group is to receive the experimental treatment or drug.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A scientific theory is a guess or an idea about how something works.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An observational study involves manipulating a variable to see what will happen.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The scientific method is a linear process that always follows a set of fixed steps.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A hypothesis is a well-supported model of how something works with substantial evidence from multiple independent researchers.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    It is always possible to perform an experiment to study a phenomenon.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The scientific method involves proving a hypothesis to be true.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In an experiment, the experimental group is always larger than the control group.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A placebo is a medically effective treatment used in experimental groups.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Replication is only necessary for experiments involving human subjects.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In vitro studies are always more reliable than in vivo studies.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Confounding variables can be completely eliminated in an experiment.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A large sample size is only important in human studies.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In an experiment, the control group should be exposed to the variable being tested.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Using model organisms in a study can reduce confounding variables more easily than using humans.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a double-blind experiment, only the participants are unaware of their group assignment.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A p-value of 0.04 indicates that the results are likely due to chance.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Randomization in experiments is used to ensure that participants are evenly divided between groups.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Anecdotal evidence is a reliable source of evidence in scientific studies.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Correlation implies causation in scientific studies.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Human studies are often preferred over model organisms due to logistical and ethical considerations.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A single-blind experiment is considered the 'gold standard' for clinical trials.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Statistical analysis is used to determine if results are due to random chance or real effects.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    The Scientific Method

    • The scientific method is a process used to systematically answer questions about the natural world.
    • The steps of the scientific method are:
      • Observing a phenomenon or event
      • Formulating a question
      • Developing a hypothesis
      • Designing an experiment or observational study
      • Testing predictions and collecting and analyzing data
      • Drawing conclusions
      • Reporting findings
    • A hypothesis is a testable, possible explanation based on objective observations.
    • A hypothesis must be testable and based on objective observations.

    Experiment vs. Observational Study

    • In an experiment, the researcher manipulates a variable to see what will happen.
    • In an observational study, information is gathered, analyzed, and compared without the researcher manipulating the variables.
    • The downside of an observational study is that it may be harder to identify all contributing variables.

    Science as a Cyclical Process

    • Science is a cyclical and ongoing process, not a linear one.
    • Findings may lead to new questions, which result in new hypotheses and new experiments.

    Hypothesis vs. Theory

    • A hypothesis is a testable, possible explanation.
    • A scientific theory is a well-supported model of how something works with substantial evidence from multiple independent researchers.
    • A scientific theory is more than just an idea or a guess.

    Experimental Design

    • Factors to consider when analyzing the design of an experiment or study:
      • Controls: A control group is used as a baseline to compare to the experimental group.
      • Sample size: A larger sample size is more representative of the population.
      • Replication: Experiments should be repeated to ensure results aren't due to chance.
      • Confounding variables: Variables that could impact the results, but are difficult to control for.
      • In vitro or in vivo studies: In vitro studies involve studying cells or tissues outside the body, while in vivo studies involve studying entire living organisms.
      • Model organism or human study: Model organisms are used to study conditions, but human studies are ideal for studying human-related questions.
      • Blind experiments: Single-blind or double-blind experiments are used to reduce bias.
      • Randomization: Participants are randomly assigned to control or experimental groups to reduce sample bias.
      • Statistical analysis: Used to determine if differences between groups are real and not due to chance.
      • Correlation or causation: Correlation doesn't imply causation, and causation requires a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

    Additional Key Points

    • Reporting findings allows others to build upon them and enables peer-review.
    • A good scientist acknowledges the limitations of their study.
    • Anecdotal evidence is not reliable and should not be used to support claims.

    The Scientific Method

    • The scientific method is a process used to systematically answer questions about the natural world.
    • The steps of the scientific method are:
      • Observing a phenomenon or event
      • Formulating a question
      • Developing a hypothesis
      • Designing an experiment or observational study
      • Testing predictions and collecting and analyzing data
      • Drawing conclusions
      • Reporting findings
    • A hypothesis is a testable, possible explanation based on objective observations.
    • A hypothesis must be testable and based on objective observations.

    Experiment vs. Observational Study

    • In an experiment, the researcher manipulates a variable to see what will happen.
    • In an observational study, information is gathered, analyzed, and compared without the researcher manipulating the variables.
    • The downside of an observational study is that it may be harder to identify all contributing variables.

    Science as a Cyclical Process

    • Science is a cyclical and ongoing process, not a linear one.
    • Findings may lead to new questions, which result in new hypotheses and new experiments.

    Hypothesis vs. Theory

    • A hypothesis is a testable, possible explanation.
    • A scientific theory is a well-supported model of how something works with substantial evidence from multiple independent researchers.
    • A scientific theory is more than just an idea or a guess.

    Experimental Design

    • Factors to consider when analyzing the design of an experiment or study:
      • Controls: A control group is used as a baseline to compare to the experimental group.
      • Sample size: A larger sample size is more representative of the population.
      • Replication: Experiments should be repeated to ensure results aren't due to chance.
      • Confounding variables: Variables that could impact the results, but are difficult to control for.
      • In vitro or in vivo studies: In vitro studies involve studying cells or tissues outside the body, while in vivo studies involve studying entire living organisms.
      • Model organism or human study: Model organisms are used to study conditions, but human studies are ideal for studying human-related questions.
      • Blind experiments: Single-blind or double-blind experiments are used to reduce bias.
      • Randomization: Participants are randomly assigned to control or experimental groups to reduce sample bias.
      • Statistical analysis: Used to determine if differences between groups are real and not due to chance.
      • Correlation or causation: Correlation doesn't imply causation, and causation requires a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

    Additional Key Points

    • Reporting findings allows others to build upon them and enables peer-review.
    • A good scientist acknowledges the limitations of their study.
    • Anecdotal evidence is not reliable and should not be used to support claims.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Learn about the scientific method, a systematic process used to answer questions about the natural world. Understand how to formulate a question, develop a hypothesis, and conduct scientific inquiry.

    More Like This

    Understanding Hypotheses in Research
    8 questions
    Scientific Inquiry and Hypotheses
    5 questions
    Scientific Method Quiz
    15 questions
    Scientific Method and Branches of Science
    13 questions
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser