Scientific Method Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is an experiment primarily designed to do?

Provide subjective conclusions about a variable

Determine the aesthetic qualities of an observation

Confirm existing scientific facts without questioning

Test a hypothesis through observation and evidence (correct)

Which of the following best describes a scientific fact?

A statement that can never be proven true or false

An opinion held by a majority in the scientific community

An undeniably true statement that can be proven through observations (correct)

A claim that is always accepted without evidence

In the experiment regarding alligator egg incubation, what is the independent variable?

The temperature of egg incubation (correct)

The type of alligator egg used

The sex of the alligator

The duration of the incubation period

What distinguishes a scientific law from a scientific theory?

Laws are descriptive statements, while theories explain phenomena Signup and view all the answers

Why is empirical testing essential in science?

It allows scientist to gather data through controlled observations Signup and view all the answers

What are the dependent variables in an experiment focused on egg incubation temperature?

The sex of the alligator that hatches from the eggs Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the nature of scientific facts?

They can be modified or discarded in light of new evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is crucial for a controlled experiment to be effective?

Keeping all conditions constant except for the independent variable Signup and view all the answers

In the hypothesis regarding alligator egg incubation, which variable is dependent?

The sex of the alligator Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between an observation and an experiment?

Observations gather information by using senses; experiments impose treatment to measure responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes a characteristic of controlled experiments?

They manipulate one variable while keeping others constant. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant contribution of William Harvey to the field of scientific experimentation?

He demonstrated the circulation of blood through empirical testing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of controlled experiments in scientific research?

To eliminate the influence of extraneous variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes empirical testing?

Gaining knowledge through observation and experimentation. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately distinguishes scientific theories from laws?

Laws are descriptive models, and theories provide explanatory frameworks. Signup and view all the answers

In field experiments, which statement about their environment is accurate?

Field experiments allow for intervention in natural settings. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of a good scientific theory indicates that it can change in response to new data?

Tentative Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between scientific theories and scientific laws?

Laws describe natural phenomena while theories explain them. Signup and view all the answers

Newton's theory of universal gravitation states that gravity is dependent on which two factors?

Mass and distance Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of a scientific theory allows it to achieve more than previous theories?

Progressive Signup and view all the answers

Why is empirical testing important for scientific theories?

It helps confirm theories through controlled, repeated observations. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can scientific laws often be described?

Using mathematical expressions. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for a scientific theory to be falsifiable?

It can be disproven by new evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What role do controlled, repeated experiments play in scientific theories?

They are necessary for verifying the consistency of observations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Quantitative Observations

Can be objectively compared in experiments.
They measure a specific attribute like the length of road, providing concrete data.

Facts

Statements that can be proven through substantial evidence.
Can be true or false but their validity can be established.

Scientific Facts

Undeniably true statements accepted by the scientific community.
Proven through observations and testing.
Can only be confidently asserted for relatively simple statements.
Can be modified or discarded with new evidence.

Experiments

Tests designed to provide evidence for answering questions or testing hypotheses.
Follow organized steps within the scientific method.
Contain two key variables: independent and dependent.

Independent Variable

The factor manipulated by the experimenter in an experiment.
Example: temperature at which alligator eggs are incubated.

Dependent Variable

The factor measured or observed in an experiment, influenced by the independent variable.
Example: sex of the alligator hatched.

Control Variable

A factor kept constant in an experiment to ensure that only the independent variable affects the dependent variable.
Example: variety of marijuana used in an experiment testing fertilizer's effect on CBD oil quality.

Observation vs Experiment

Observation: Gathering information using senses or measurements.
Experiment: Actively imposing a treatment to measure a response.

Types of Experiments

Controlled Experiment: Conducted in a laboratory or controlled environment.
Field Experiment: Conducted in a natural environment.

William Harvey's Experiments

Used to challenge existing knowledge about blood circulation.
Supported the idea of blood flow.
Established a cause-and-effect relationship.
Led to the prediction of capillaries.

Scientific Theory

A well-substantiated explanation of a natural phenomenon.
Based on the scientific method and repeated testing.
Empirically testable and falsifiable.
Useful for describing and explaining observed phenomena.
Correctable and dynamic, evolving with new data.

Scientific Law

An empirical statement of a universally true phenomenon.
Can be explained mathematically.
Can be used to make predictions.
Describes observed phenomena.

Newton's Theory of Universal Gravitation

Explains gravity as a predictable force acting on all matter.
Affected by mass and distance.

Importance of Hypothesis

Both scientific theories and laws are based on hypotheses.
Hypotheses are educated guesses that are tested through experiments.

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Description

Test your understanding of the scientific method and its components with this quiz. Focus on key concepts such as quantitative observations, independent and dependent variables, and the nature of scientific facts. Enhance your knowledge of how experiments are structured and analyzed.