Chap 1: Evolution, Themes of Biology, & Scientific Theory (4)

Question 1

Define experiment.

Answer 1

Experiment – a scientific test carried out under controlled conditions.

Question 1

Define deductive reasoning.

Answer 1

Deductive reasoning uses general premises to make specific predictions

– Insects have three-part body, and a bee has three-part body, therefore a bee is an insect

Question 2

What are the 2 uses of hypothesis in science?

Answer 2

1. One can always devise additional hypotheses to explain a set of observations.
2. We can never prove that a hypothesis is true.

Question 3

A hypothesis must be _________ and ___________.

Answer 3

A hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable

– For example, a hypothesis that ghosts fooled with the flashlight cannot be tested

Question 4

Define controlled experiment.

Answer 4

A controlled experiment is designed to compare an experimental group with a control
group.

Question 5

Differentiate between independent and dependent variables.

Answer 5

An independent variable is the factor being manipulated by the researchers.

The dependent variable is the factor being measured that is predicted to be affected by the independent variable.

Question 6

What is a scientific theory,
and how is it different from a hypothesis or mere speculation?

Answer 6

1. A scientific theory is much broader in scope than a hypothesis.
2. A theory is general enough
   to spin off many new, specific hypotheses that can be tested
3. Compared to any one hypothesis, a theory is generally supported by a much greater body of evidence

Question 7

How is cooperation facilitated among scientists? Define model organism.

Answer 7

Cooperation is facilitated when scientists use the same organism.

Often it is a widely used model organism—a species that is easy to grow in the lab and lends itself particularly well to the questions being investigated.