Chapter 1 - About Science Flashcards

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1
Q

Describe the Scientific Method

A

Recognize a problem, make an educated guess (hypothesis), predict the consequences, test the predictions with experiments, and formulate the simplest general rule that organizes these ingredients.

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2
Q

What is a fact?

A

Close agreement by competent observers who make a series of observations of the same phenomenon.

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3
Q

What is a hypothesis?

A

It is an educated guess that is not fully accepted until demonstrated by experiment.

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4
Q

When hypotheses about the relationship among natural phenomenon are tested over and over again and not contradicted, what do they become?

A

Scientific law or principle

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5
Q

In everyday speech, the word “theory” can mean a guess. How is a scientific theory different?

A

A scientific theory is backed by a large body of data from repeated testing and verification of a hypothesis.

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6
Q

When must a hypothesis, law, or principle be changed or abandoned?

A

When a scientist finds evidence that contradicts it.

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7
Q

How do you know if a hypothesis is scientific?

A

There must be a test for proving it wrong.

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8
Q

What is the difference between science and technology?

A

Science is a method of answering theoretical questions; technology is a method of solving practical problems.

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9
Q

How does progress today differ from progress thousands of years ago?

A

It is much quicker.

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10
Q

Is the refinement of scientific theories a strength or a weakness?

A

Strength. When contradictory evidence arises, the theory can be changed and improved allowing for more accurate predictions of future outcomes.

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