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Questions and Answers
In an experiment studying the effect of fertilizer concentration on plant growth, which variable needs to be carefully controlled to ensure the experiment's validity?
In an experiment studying the effect of fertilizer concentration on plant growth, which variable needs to be carefully controlled to ensure the experiment's validity?
- The amount of sunlight each plant receives. (correct)
- The type of plant used.
- The height of the plants after three weeks.
- The concentration of fertilizer applied.
A researcher observes that a new drug appears to lower blood pressure in a group of patients. What must be done to determine if the change is statistically significant and not just due to random chance?
A researcher observes that a new drug appears to lower blood pressure in a group of patients. What must be done to determine if the change is statistically significant and not just due to random chance?
- Modify the hypothesis to align with the observed results.
- Perform statistical analysis on the data collected. (correct)
- Conduct a peer review of the research process.
- Increase the dosage of the drug to amplify the effect.
A scientist's preliminary research suggests a correlation between a specific gene and increased risk of heart disease. What is the next step in validating these results and establishing a scientific theory?
A scientist's preliminary research suggests a correlation between a specific gene and increased risk of heart disease. What is the next step in validating these results and establishing a scientific theory?
- Conduct more experiments to investigate the relationship further. (correct)
- Publish the initial findings to gain recognition.
- Ignore contradictory data to strengthen the initial claim.
- Rely on anecdotal evidence to support the hypothesis.
What role does background research play in the scientific method?
What role does background research play in the scientific method?
Why is replication of experiments important in the scientific method?
Why is replication of experiments important in the scientific method?
Flashcards
Scientific Method
Scientific Method
A series of steps scientists use to investigate the world and answer questions.
Question
Question
The problem an experiment aims to solve through testing.
Hypothesis
Hypothesis
A testable potential answer to the research question.
Independent variable
Independent variable
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Scientific Theory
Scientific Theory
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Study Notes
- The scientific method is a series of steps used by scientists to answer questions about the world.
- The scientific method has evolved and changed over time to become the procedure it is today.
- The specific steps and their order vary based on the experiment and the discipline.
- Experiments that follow this procedure can be replicated.
- If a hypothesis is supported enough times, then it may become a theory.
Steps of the Scientific Method
- Ask a Question
- Conduct Background Research
- Create a Hypothesis
- Conduct an Experiment
- Analyze data
- Form a Conclusion
Key Terms
- Question: The problem that an experiment is looking to answer.
- Background: Data available from previous tests that can provide information about the experiment's subject.
- Hypothesis: A testable potential answer for the research question.
- Experiment: A test that provides data that directly answers a question.
- Empirical Data: Information obtained through experience or observation.
- Conclusion: Support or rejection of the experiment's hypothesis produced from the experiment's data.
- Independent Variable: The thing being tested in an experiment; only one variable should be changed tested.
- Dependent Variable: The thing being measured in an experiment.
- Significance: Statistical determination of whether change observed is due to chance.
- Peer review: Scientists from the field evaluate the work and determine validity.
- Scientific Theory: A hypothesis that is widely supported by empirical research.
- Biases: Cause for prejudice towards a certain outcome which can make an experiment invalid.
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Description
The scientific method is a series of steps used by scientists to answer questions about the world. The specific steps and their order vary based on the experiment and the discipline. If a hypothesis is supported enough times, then it may become a theory.
