Understanding the Principles of Science

6 Questions

Match the following types of evidence with their characteristics:

Objective evidence = Without personal bias and the same by all individuals Subjective evidence = Based on personal feelings and beliefs

Match the following types of observations with their descriptions:

Quantitative observation = Expressed with a specific numerical value Qualitative observation = General or relative descriptions

Match the following types of measurements with their characteristics:

Quantitative measurement = Based on personal feelings and beliefs Qualitative measurement = General or relative descriptions

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Bias = A tendency to favor one perspective over others Objectivity = A tendency to favor one perspective over others

Match the following scientists' goals with their descriptions:

To be completely objective = The goal is to be completely free from personal biases To be as unbiased as possible = The goal is to be as unbiased as possible

Match the following scientific methods with their advantages:

Using quantitative measurements = Based on personal feelings and beliefs Using qualitative observations = General or relative descriptions

Study Notes

Science and Objectivity

Scientists strive to understand natural patterns and processes by identifying fundamental principles.
Science is a means to evaluate and create new knowledge without bias.
Objective evidence is used to reach sound and logical conclusions, rather than subjective evidence.

Types of Observations

Objective observations are without personal bias and are the same for all individuals.
Humans are inherently biased, so the goal is to be as unbiased as possible.
Subjective observations are based on personal feelings and beliefs and are unique to each individual.

Measurement Approaches

Quantitative measurements are used over qualitative measurements whenever possible.
Quantitative measurements are expressed with specific numerical values.
Qualitative observations are general or relative descriptions.
Examples of qualitative observations include describing a rock as "red" or "heavy".
Quantitative measurements are more precise and can be analyzed using statistical calculations.
Examples of quantitative measurements include determining a rock's color by measuring wavelengths of reflected light or its density by measuring the proportions of minerals it contains.