Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why is it important to communicate experimental results to the scientific community?
Why is it important to communicate experimental results to the scientific community?
- To allow others to independently verify and test the results, strengthening their validity. (correct)
- To ensure the original researcher receives sole credit for the discovery.
- To keep the findings secret from competing research groups.
- To expedite the publication process in scientific journals.
What should a researcher do if the data collected during an experiment does not support their initial hypothesis?
What should a researcher do if the data collected during an experiment does not support their initial hypothesis?
- Adjust the data to fit the hypothesis.
- Develop a new hypothesis based on what was learned and test it. (correct)
- Claim the experiment was a success, regardless of the data.
- Disregard the data and continue with the experiment.
What is the primary difference between a hypothesis and a theory in the context of scientific research?
What is the primary difference between a hypothesis and a theory in the context of scientific research?
- A hypothesis is a testable educated guess, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation supported by repeated testing. (correct)
- A hypothesis is a proven fact, while a theory is a guess.
- A theory is a specific prediction, while a hypothesis is a broad explanation.
- A theory is only used in theoretical sciences like physics, while a hypothesis is used in experimental sciences like biology.
Why is the process of attempting to disprove a hypothesis essential in scientific research?
Why is the process of attempting to disprove a hypothesis essential in scientific research?
Which of the following best describes the role of iteration in the scientific method?
Which of the following best describes the role of iteration in the scientific method?
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the initial 'Notice something interesting' step in the scientific method?
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the initial 'Notice something interesting' step in the scientific method?
A researcher observes that the average temperature in a city has increased by 2 degrees Celsius over the past decade. Which of the following represents an inference based on this observation?
A researcher observes that the average temperature in a city has increased by 2 degrees Celsius over the past decade. Which of the following represents an inference based on this observation?
Why is it important to formulate multiple working hypotheses when addressing a scientific problem?
Why is it important to formulate multiple working hypotheses when addressing a scientific problem?
Which of the following best describes a testable hypothesis regarding the effect of sunlight on plant growth?
Which of the following best describes a testable hypothesis regarding the effect of sunlight on plant growth?
A geologist discovers a new type of rock formation. Which of the following actions represents the 'Collect observations' step in the scientific method?
A geologist discovers a new type of rock formation. Which of the following actions represents the 'Collect observations' step in the scientific method?
In the context of the scientific method, what is the primary difference between observation and inference?
In the context of the scientific method, what is the primary difference between observation and inference?
A student observes that a certain type of mold grows more rapidly on bread left at room temperature compared to bread stored in the refrigerator. Which of the following is a valid hypothesis the student could develop?
A student observes that a certain type of mold grows more rapidly on bread left at room temperature compared to bread stored in the refrigerator. Which of the following is a valid hypothesis the student could develop?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a phenomenon that can be studied using the scientific method?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a phenomenon that can be studied using the scientific method?
Flashcards
Analyze Data
Analyze Data
The step where you gather a new set of observations during your experiment.
Communicate Results
Communicate Results
Sharing your experimental results with other scientists for verification.
Hypothesis
Hypothesis
An educated guess to formulate an experimental approach.
Theory
Theory
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Iteration
Iteration
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Scientific Method
Scientific Method
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Observation
Observation
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Inference
Inference
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Notice Something Interesting
Notice Something Interesting
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Collect Observations
Collect Observations
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Propose Multiple Working Hypotheses
Propose Multiple Working Hypotheses
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Test Hypotheses
Test Hypotheses
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Study Notes
- The scientific method is a systematic approach used to explain unexplained phenomena observed through our senses.
- It can only study natural phenomena that can be sensed by everyone.
Observation vs. Inference
- Observation involves witnessing a natural event or phenomena.
- Senses are used to characterize what we perceive.
- Inferences are conclusions that go beyond direct sensory input.
- Our brains process observations into inferences, sometimes without us realizing it.
- When solving scientific problems, careful observations should always be prioritized.
Steps in the Scientific Method
- The scientific method is a process used to solve scientific problems or explain observations.
- It includes the following steps:
- Notice something interesting: Identify something unexplained using curiosity and skepticism.
- Collect observations: Study the phenomena to formulate a research question.
- Propose multiple working hypotheses: Develop possible answers or explanations for the research question.
- Test hypotheses: Develop an experiment to test your possible explanations and disprove any hypotheses.
- Analyze data: Collect new observations (data) while conducting the experiment.
- Communicate results: Share your findings with the scientific community for testing and verification.
Hypothesis vs. Theory
- Hypotheses are educated guesses that help refine an experimental approach to a research question.
- If a hypothesis survives repeated attempts to disprove it through experimentation, it can evolve into a theory.
- Theories represent the best possible explanation for the phenomena of interest.
Iteration
- If data does not support a hypothesis, it is necessary to develop a new hypothesis based on what was learned from the first attempt.
- The new hypothesis is tested, the new results will need to be analyzed.
- The iterative process is fundamental to the scientific method.
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