The Scientific Method: Steps and Hypothesis
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the MOST logical initial step in the scientific method?

  • Analyzing data and drawing conclusions.
  • Making an observation. (correct)
  • Conducting an experiment.
  • Formulating a testable hypothesis.

A hypothesis is a proven fact that explains a specific event or phenomenon.

False (B)

In the context of the scientific method, define what a testable hypothesis is.

A testable hypothesis is an explanation for an event that can be tested through experimentation or observation.

The scientific method relies on obtaining information, or __________, to ask and answer questions.

<p>data</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider the 'broken toaster' example. If, after plugging the toaster into a different outlet it works, what can be concluded?

<p>The prediction was incorrect and the hypothesis should be reconsidered. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each sense with its role in scientific observation

<p>Sight = Observing physical characteristics (color, shape). Hearing = Detecting sounds (vocalizations, environmental noises). Smell = Identifying odors (chemical reactions, biological processes). Touch = Assessing texture, temperature, or pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is observation so important in the scientific method?

<p>Observation helps scientists formulate questions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the scientific method, what is the purpose of 'doing background research'?

<p>To avoid experiments that have already been done or disproven. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the process of induction in scientific reasoning?

<p>Formulating a general conclusion based on a series of particular observations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In inductive reasoning, the accuracy of a conclusion is independent of the quantity and quality of particular observations.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A marine biologist observes that several different types of fish have gills. What is the next step in the inductive reasoning process to investigate whether all fish have gills?

<p>Formulate a general conclusion (hypothesis) based on observations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In deductive reasoning, one starts with a general conclusion to make a ______ conclusion.

<p>specific</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning?

<p>Knowing that all mammals have lungs, and whales are mammals; therefore, whales have lungs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The general conclusion (hypothesis) used in deductive reasoning is often the result of inductive reasoning.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the general conclusion is 'All birds can fly,' deductive reasoning might lead to the specific conclusion that a robin is a bird, so it ______.

<p>can fly</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each statement with the type of reasoning it exemplifies:

<p>Observing that numerous apples fall from a tree and concluding that all apples fall downwards. = Induction Knowing that all squares are rectangles, and if a shape is a square, then it must also be a rectangle. = Deduction</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of a prediction in the scientific method?

<p>To provide specific, testable expectations based on a hypothesis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the scientific method, if a specific hypothesis is not fully supported, the general hypothesis from which it was derived is automatically invalidated.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between induction and deduction in the context of scientific reasoning?

<p>Induction involves forming general conclusions from specific observations, while deduction involves making specific predictions based on general principles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The step in the scientific method that involves gathering information about a phenomenon is known as ______.

<p>observation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each term with its corresponding description:

<p>Hypothesis = A testable explanation for a phenomenon. Prediction = A specific expectation derived from a hypothesis. Experiment = A procedure designed to test a hypothesis. Observation = The act of noticing and describing events or processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A scientist observes that all observed marine animals have gills. Based on this, they hypothesize 'All marine animals have gills.' Which of the following observations would best test this hypothesis?

<p>Observing a whale lacking gills. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an experiment's results do not align with the prediction made based on a hypothesis, the hypothesis is definitively proven false and should be discarded.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A scientist formulates the hypothesis that 'Fish need to swim in order to survive'. Describe a controlled experiment to test this hypothesis, and indicate what results would support or refute the hypothesis.

<p>To test the hypothesis, two groups of similar fish could be studied: a treatment group where they are unable to swim freely (e.g., placed in a small enclosure) and a control group where they can swim freely. If the fish in the treatment group show higher mortality rates compared to the control group, this would support the hypothesis. If there is no significant difference in survival rates between the two groups, then the hypothesis is not supported.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Scientific Method

A series of steps used by scientists to answer questions and solve problems.

Observation

The initial step in the scientific method, involving noticing and describing events or processes.

Hypothesis

A testable statement or explanation for an observation.

Prediction

A specific expectation or outcome that will occur if a hypothesis is correct.

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Experiment/Test

A controlled procedure designed to test a hypothesis.

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Data Analysis

The process of examining and interpreting the data collected during an experiment.

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Report Out

Sharing the findings of your experiment with others.

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Background Research

To gain knowledge about a topic or problem by reading books, articles, or other sources.

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Induction

A scientist starts with specific observations to form a general conclusion or hypothesis.

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Inductive Hypothesis

Formulating a general conclusion (hypothesis) based on particular observations.

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Limits of Induction

The accuracy of an inductive conclusion depends heavily on the quantity and quality of specific observations.

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Deduction

Moving from a general conclusion to a specific conclusion.

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Deductive Reasoning

Using a general hypothesis to predict a specific outcome.

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Test Prediction

Testing a prediction by gathering new data.

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General Hypothesis

A claim or statement about a pattern or relationship.

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Specific Hypothesis

Applies a general hypothesis to a specific case or instance.

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Prediction (Scientific Method)

A testable statement about what you expect to observe if your hypothesis is correct.

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Phenomenon (Observation)

The starting point, using your senses to notice something.

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Experiment

Altering a variable to test and measure results.

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Study Notes

The Scientific Method

  • It involves observation, questioning, hypothesizing, predicting, and testing
  • It uses observation to obtain information (data) to use in answering questions
  • Observation can be done by reading, feeling, hearing, tasting, or smelling
  • Anything that cannot be observed is outside the realm of science

Steps of the Scientific Method

  • Observation
  • Asking a question
  • Background Research
  • Form a Testable Hypothesis
  • Experiment/Test
  • Data Analysis
  • Conclusion
  • Report Out

Hypothesis

  • A suggested explanation for an event that can be tested

Induction

  • A scientist starts making a series of individual observations
  • Particular observations include a marine biologist observing a sailfish, shark, and tuna, noting that they all have gills
  • A general question can become, "Do all fish have gills?"
  • A general conclusion (hypothesis) can be, "All fish have gills"
  • Make a prediction saying, "If something is a fish, then it should have gills."
  • Sampling a different fish tests the prediction

Induction: Limits

  • The accuracy of the conclusion (hypothesis) is related to the amount and quality of particular observations
  • For example, a marine biologist observed a sailfish, shark, and a tuna and found that they all had gills
  • A question is, "Do all marine animals have gills?"
  • A general conclusion (hypothesis): "All marine animals have gills"
  • Prediction: If it is a marine animal, then it should have gills
  • Test prediction: Sample a different marine animal

Deduction

  • General conclusion is used to make a specific conclusion
  • A general conclusion (hypothesis) is the result of induction (based on particular observations)
  • An example of a general conclusion (hypothesis) could be "All marine animals have gills"
  • If whales are marine animals, then they should have gills
  • Sample and observe a whale to test the prediction

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Lecture 1: Scientific Method

Description

Explore the scientific method, including observation, questioning, and hypothesis formation. Understand the steps involved, from initial observation to conclusion and reporting. Learn about induction and forming testable hypotheses.

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