The Scientific Method Quiz

Study Notes

The Scientific Method

Scientists come up with hypotheses to explain things they don't understand
Hypotheses are possible explanations for observations
Scientists test hypotheses by making predictions, gathering evidence, and checking if the evidence matches the predictions
If evidence from experiments doesn't match the prediction, the hypothesis is adjusted
Peer review is the process where scientists share their findings with other scientists for review and critique to see if the experiments were done correctly or not and if their findings are reproducible

Several Scientists Will Test a Hypothesis

Normally, scientists share their findings in peer-reviewed journals or at conferences
Peer review is where other scientists check results and scientific explanations to make sure the experiments have been done in a sensible way
It helps scientists detect false claims, but it doesn't mean that findings are not wrong
Other scientists can try to reproduce experiments to check the results
If all the experiments reproduce the hypothesis, then the hypothesis is considered true
If a scientist doesn't reproduce the results, the hypothesis may be modified or scrapped altogether
Accepted hypotheses are often referred to as theories (hypotheses that have survived many tests over the years and survived)
Theories never become totally indisputable facts. If new evidence comes along that can't be explained using the existing theory, then the hypothesis may need to start all over again

Theories Can Involve Different Types of Models

A representation model is a simplified description or picture of what's going on in real life.
It can be used to explain observed phenomena, like the Bohr model of an atom.
Computational models use computers to make simulations of complex real-life processes
All models have limitations on what they can explain or predict. An example is the Big Bang model, which cannot explain events that happened before the Big Bang.

Description

Test your understanding of the scientific method and its key components, such as hypotheses, experimental predictions, and peer review. This quiz will challenge your knowledge of how scientists formulate and test their ideas in pursuit of scientific understanding. Explore the vital processes that ensure the validity of scientific claims.