Lesson 2; Unit 1: Scientific Method

Question 1

Inquiry

Answer 1

The search for information and explanation about phenomena

Question 2

Why do scientists share their results

Answer 2

To ensure validity

Question 3

What is the goal of science

Answer 3

To understand natural phenomena

Question 4

What is the use of technology

Answer 4

To apply scientific knowledge for some specific purpose

Question 5

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Answer 5

1. Make observations
2. Research to formulate question
3. Form hypothesis
4. Test hypothesis (experiment)
5. Organize/interpret data (results)
6. Raw conclusions
7. Retest

Question 6

Observation

Answer 6

The process of gathering information about events or processes in a careful, orderly way

Question 7

Senses (the meaning is not provided in the answer but make sure to review)

Answer 7

Tactile, olfactory, visual, auditory, gustatory

Question 8

Inference

Answer 8

A logical interpretation of an observation based on prior knowledge or experience

Question 9

Why should inferences not be used in experiments?

Answer 9

They could induce bias and are subjective

Question 10

Inductive reasoning

Answer 10

Makes generalizations based on collecting and analyzing a large number of specific observations

Question 11

Deductive reasoning

Answer 11

Flows from general premises to predicted and specific results

Question 12

What does research lead to?

Answer 12

More interesting/thorough questions; better defined/modified question

Question 13

Hypothesis

Answer 13

Proposed scientific explanation for a set of observations; educated guess, must be testable, and allows for predictions

Question 14

Controlled experiment

Answer 14

A procedure to test the hypothesis with only one manipulated variable

Question 15

Variables are written directly from hypothesis

Answer 15

If (independent variable), then (dependent variable)

Question 16

Methods of experimenting

Answer 16

You don’t necessarily need to have a controlled experiment, you can collect observational data;

Common ex.: evolutionary relationships, experiments conducted outside the lab, product studies

Question 17

Which is better: qualitative or quantitative

Answer 17

Qualitative is less useful because it can be subjective, whereas quantitative data is firm; requires tools for precise data

Question 18

True or false: negative results > positive results

Answer 18

True; they raise more questions and thus have the ability to further a scientist’s research objectives

Question 19

Law vs. theory

Answer 19

A law is a statement based on repeated experimental observation that describes some aspect of the world; a theory is a well tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations, thus defining a phenomena

Question 20

Can a law become a theory or vice versa?

Answer 20

No

Question 21

Other important facts about laws

Answer 21

They typically involve a math equation, can be found false when extrapolated, always applies under the same conditions

Question 22

Other important facts about theories

Answer 22

They are continually updated with new information and they are not a fact and CANNOT BE PROVEN