Scientific Methods and Research
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Questions and Answers

What characterizes a scientific theory?

  • It provides a framework for research. (correct)
  • It is based on anecdotal evidence.
  • It is always proven beyond doubt.
  • It contains a single hypothesis.

What type of data consists of discrete units, such as color?

  • Quantitative data
  • Hypothetical data
  • Qualitative data (correct)
  • Factual data

How can a hypothesis be described according to scientific standards?

  • It is an indisputable fact.
  • It is a tentative explanation that is falsifiable. (correct)
  • It is determined by personal opinion.
  • It must be universally accepted.

Which of the following statements about facts is correct?

<p>Facts serve to propose predictive explanations for testing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes qualitative data from quantitative data?

<p>Qualitative data captures categorical attributes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the process of scientific research as illustrated?

<p>Observe (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of question is concerned with understanding the adaptive significance of traits?

<p>Evolutionary question (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Inductive reasoning involves which of the following processes?

<p>Drawing a general conclusion from specific observations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended action during the observation phase?

<p>Formulate assumptions without evidence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a mechanistic question?

<p>How does a bird develop its wings? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the pondering phase, a researcher is most likely to do which of the following?

<p>Formulate a hypothesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing a clear question in scientific observation?

<p>To guide the observation and data collection process (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What observation might lead to a hypothesis regarding the color of swans?

<p>If swans are found in various colors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes causation from correlation?

<p>Causation occurs when changes in one variable directly influence another. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best exemplifies inductive reasoning?

<p>All observed organisms, including insects and plants, have a wall-like structure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key step in the scientific method emphasized in the content?

<p>Repeating controlled experiments to validate results. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn from the failure to observe a wall-like structure in sampled bacteria?

<p>Bacteria are an exception, lacking the wall-like structure observed in other organisms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates an incorrect interpretation of causation?

<p>Higher sea levels lead to more private activities at the beach. (C)</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. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about deductive reasoning is true?

<p>It requires general premises to draw specific conclusions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an expected outcome of hypothesis testing in scientific experimentation?

<p>Discovering unexpected results that may form new hypotheses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a positively correlated relationship?

<p>Smoking and developing lung cancer. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a controlled experiment?

<p>It modifies one or several independent variables. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a logical deduction derived from the premises that vertebrates need oxygen and cats are vertebrates?

<p>Cats need oxygen to survive. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does hypothesis testing generally require?

<p>Experimental modifications and predictions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly describes correlation in the context of scientific research?

<p>Correlation refers to the relationship between two variables. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Evolution

Descent with modification.

Evolutionary Theory

A set of knowledge about evolution.

Theory

A broad explanation of nature.

Fact

An undeniable observation in nature.

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Data

Recorded observations in nature.

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Qualitative Data

Recorded observations in words or categories.

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Quantitative Data

Numerical observations.

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Hypothesis

Proposed explanation, testable prediction.

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Deductive Reasoning

A logical process to reach a conclusion from true premises.

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Scientific Research Steps

The process of acquiring knowledge about the natural world, often involving observing, pondering, hypothesizing, experimenting, and reporting.

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Observing in Research

Carefully gathering information about the natural world, including asking specific questions (e.g., mechanistic or evolutionary) and defining data to collect, like colors of feathers.

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Hypothesis Testing

Using experiments to test predictions about nature.

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Inductive Reasoning

Making general conclusions based on specific observations-often needing repeated observations by different people.

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Controlled Experiment

A scientific test where one factor is changed while others stay the same.

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Hypothesis

A possible explanation or prediction that can be tested. A suggested explanation for a phenomenon, often based on a pattern noticed in observations.

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Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment.

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Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment.

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Mechanistic Question

A question focusing on how something works, such as the development of a limb in an embryo or identifying a species.

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Correlation

A relationship or association between two things.

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Evolutionary Question

A question focusing on why something evolved the way it did, such as why zebras have stripes.

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Data Collection in Observation

The act of systematically gathering information, particularly focusing on relevant aspects (colors of feathers, for instance), while carefully recording observations.

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Correlation vs. Causation

Correlation describes a relationship between two things, while causation means one thing causes changes in another.

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Inductive Reasoning

Drawing broader conclusions from specific observations.

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Deductive Reasoning

Using general principles to make specific predictions.

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Scientific Method

A process of inquiry that includes observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and conclusion.

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Hypothesis

A proposed explanation or testable prediction.

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Controlled Experiment

An experiment where all variables except one are kept constant.

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Replicability

The ability of an experiment to reproduce its results if repeated by others.

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Study Notes

Scientific Methods

  • Evolution is descent with modifications.
  • Evolutionary theory is a body of knowledge guiding biodiversity exploration.
  • Theory is a broad, comprehensive, and systematic explanation of natural phenomena based on evidence and repeated experiments.
  • Theories are overarching and broad, supported by strong evidence, serve as a framework for research and include multiple hypotheses.
  • Facts are indisputable observations of natural phenomena.
  • Data are recorded observations of natural phenomena.
  • Qualitative data are discrete units of records (e.g., color).
  • Quantitative data are continuous, numerical records (e.g., body height).
  • Hypothesis is a tentative explanation of a natural phenomenon based on factual data leading to testable predictions.
  • Hypotheses are specific and narrow, supported by evidence, propose predictive explanations, and are falsifiable.

Scientific Research Steps

  • Observe: Identify phenomena to study.
  • Ponder: Consider potential explanations (hypotheses).
  • Hypothesize: Formulate testable explanations for observations.
  • Experiment: Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses.
  • Write report: Document findings and interpretations.

How to Observe

  • Understand question type, e.g. mechanistic, evolutionary.
  • Establish a question (like if swans are white).
  • Clearly define data to collect (like feather colors).
  • Observe and collect data.
  • Ask questions like "What am I seeing? How can I record this?".
  • Formulate ideas and hypotheses.

Inductive Reasoning

  • Definition: A logical process to reach a generalized conclusion by synthesizing observations.
  • Often requires repeated observations and input from multiple researchers.
  • Can be the only feasible approach, like for mass extinction events.

Example of Hypothesis Testing

  • Hypotheses lead to testable predictions.
  • Hypotheses are never proven true.
  • A control group is used in experiments to compare the experimental group and help interpret modifications to results.

Why Run Experiments

  • Correlation: Two things change together (example: smoking and lung cancer).
  • Causation: A change in one thing causes a change in another (example: bacteria causing diarrhea).
  • Experiments may produce correlations or cause and effect relationships

Inductive vs Deductive Reasoning

  • Scientific methods use both.
  • Inductive reasoning starts with observations, formulating hypotheses, and generalizing conclusions.
  • Deductive reasoning starts with general premises (hypotheses), formulating testable predictions, and making observations.

Summary of Scientific Methods

  • Observations, inductive reasoning, questions, hypotheses, deductive reasoning, testable predictions, controlled experiments, repeating experiments, determining significant results, and reporting findings.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts in scientific methods, including evolution, theory, data types, and hypotheses. It explores the systematic approach to scientific research and the distinction between qualitative and quantitative data. Get ready to test your understanding of the foundational elements of scientific inquiry!

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