Scientific Method Flashcards
To test my knowledge of hypothesis, theory and laws
1
Q
A hypothesis that is not tested is called…
A
…a speculation
2
Q
A theory is a synthesis of…
A
…well-tested hypotheses.
3
Q
Outline the Scientific Method
A
Make an observation
Ask (a) question(s) about the observation
Form a hypothesis
Test the hypothesis in reproducible experiments
4
Q
Properties of a law
A
- It can be expressed mathematically
- It is accepted as universal.
- They explain what happen, not necessarily how.
- Unlike a theory which governs a group of related phenomenon, a law governs a single action.
5
Q
How many types of observation are there?
A
There are 2 types of observation
6
Q
What are the types of observation?
A
- Casual 2. Formal (backed up with data)
7
Q
What is anecdotal evidence?
A
It refers to non-repeatable observations. A hypothesis that is non-refutable.
8
Q
What is a hypothesis?
A
It is an educated guess; a tentative explanation about an idea or how something works.
9
Q
What is a theory?
A
It is a general principle or body of principles that has been developed to explain a wide variety of phenomena.
10
Q
Properties of a theory
A
- It must be consistent with known experimental results.
- It must have predictive power.
- To remain valid, it must never be shown to be wrong.
- It can evolve.
- It tends to explain why scientific laws operate the way they do.
