Unit 1+2 Misconceptions Flashcards
Is there one specific way to conduct scientific experiments (scientific method)?
No. There are a multitude of ways to gain scientific knowledge, some of which do not include experimentation at all
Is the goal of science to establish facts?
No. The goal of science is to gain an understanding of the natural world. All science is tentative.
Are theories more tentative than facts?
No. Both theories and facts are subject to change since all science is tentative. While theories are typically well-substantiated and supported with evidence, it is always possible for new information to be presented that disproves a theory.
Can facts and laws change?
Yes. All science is tentative and subject to change if significant new information is presented
Can scientists prove things to be true?
No. There is no such thing as proof in science. All science is tentative.
Can theories be described as a guess or speculation?
No. Theories are well-supported explanations, not speculation.
Can theories turn into laws once more evidence is provided?
No. Theories are already well-supported and cannot turn into laws by the nature of their definitions. A theory is an explanation and a law is a description. An explanation can not turn into a description.
Is explanation a major goal of science?
Yes. One of the primary goals of science is to understand and be able to explain phenomena occurring in the natural world
Is a hypothesis an educated guess?
No. A hypothesis is not an educated guess nor is it a question. A hypothesis is a statement that is capable of being falsified.
Would the defining feature of a scientific model be the physical replica of the phenomenon?
No. Not all models are physical representations of phenomena. The defining feature of a model is that is advances understanding of the phenomenon for the user.
Does a law explain nature?
No. Laws do not explain anything. Laws are purely descriptions
Is it true that there is little room for creativity in science?
No. Creativity has a significant place in the scientific process. It is often necessary in model building and testing.
Is it true that a scientific argument refers to a disagreement?
No. Scientific arguments are a method of persuading or convincing others of a point by using claims, evidence, and reasoning.
Is it possible to test a hypothesis about something that cannot be directly or indirectly observed?
Yes. This is one aspect of where creativity is crucial.
Are experiments the only way to produce scientific knowledge?
No. Experiments are only one of the many ways to produce scientific knowledge.
