Unit_2_APES

Question 1

What is a Fact

Answer 1

A simple observation we make about the world

Question 2

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 2

testable (via experiment) explanation of observations

Question 3

What’s a Theory?

Answer 3

Broad explanations that have been tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation

Question 4

What’s a law?

Answer 4

Identifies a phenomenon of nature without explaining it

Question 5

What is the scientific method?

Answer 5

A sequence of steps that scientists follow, when attempting to answer a question or observation

Question 6

What was the first vaccine for?

Answer 6

Smallpox

Question 7

What’s an observation?

Answer 7

An act of viewing or noting a detail, or occurrence

Question 8

What does an experiment do?

Answer 8

Tests the hypothesis under controlled conditions, with defined variables

Question 9

Define the independent variable

Answer 9

New factor that is to be introduced and tested

Question 10

Define the Dependent variable

Answer 10

The measured result that is influenced by the independent variable

Question 11

Define the controlled variables

Answer 11

Kept constant so they don’t influence the dependent variable

Question 12

Explain the difference between the control group and experimental group

Answer 12

Control group does not receive the independent variable, while the experimental group does receive the independent variable

Question 13

Define “data” in experimental terms

Answer 13

Includes all the measurements and observations made during the experiment

Question 14

Define the “conclusion” in experimental terms

Answer 14

States whether the hypothesis is supported by the experiment

Question 15

Define Peer Review

Answer 15

Involves publishing the results for other scientist to review and check for error, bias, or uncontrolled variables

Question 16

Define margin of error

Answer 16

An estimate of how different a result is from the actual value

Question 17

How can margin of error be reduced?

Answer 17

Increasing the sample size or number of observations used in an experiment or study

Question 18

Explain the difference between controlled and natural experiments

Answer 18

Controlled experiments take place in labs or artificial environments, while natural experiments take place in the real world without manipulation

Question 19

Name a pro and a con of controlled experiments

Answer 19

Pro: allows for full control of all variables

Con: some environments are difficult or impossible to recreate

Question 20

Name a pro and a con of natural experiments

Answer 20

Pro: environment is more realistic

Con: some natural phenomena are hard to find

Question 21

Define bias in experimental terms

Answer 21

The preference for an experiment to turn out a certain way

Question 22

How do blind experiment reduce bias?

Answer 22

Ensures test subjects do not know whether they are in the experimental or controlled group

Question 23

Explain double blind experiments?

Answer 23

Prevents both scientist and subjects from knowing which is the experimental group

Question 24

Define correlation

Answer 24

Observed when there are statistical variables that have a relationship that’s expected by chance alone

Question 25

Define causation

Answer 25

Occurs when one variable directly influences the other

Question 26

Define puedoscience

Answer 26

Appear or claims to be scientific, but does not follow scientific practices

Question 27

Define the “claim” characteristic of pseudoscience

Answer 27

Is not repeatable or reproducible, no experimental evidence, and no alternative explanations have been tested

Question 28

Define the “conclusion” characteristic of puesdoscience

Answer 28

Conclusion is formed first, then evidence is selectively chosen

Question 29

What did Spontaneous generations propose and why is it puesdoscience?

Answer 29

Proposed that life can arise from non-living matter. It’s considered pseudoscience because there’s no formal evidence and no alternative hypothesis considered or tested

Question 30

What did Four Elements Theory propose and why is it puesdoscience?

Answer 30

Proposed that all matter was composed of earth, water, air, and fire (tried to convert one form of matter into another). This is pseudoscience because there’s no experimental evidence, no alternative theories considered, and claims were not repeatable because the discoveries were kept secret

Question 31

What did Astrology propose and why is it puesdoscience?

Answer 31

It’s the belief that the movement and positions of the stars and planets influence the natural world. It’s pseudoscience because there’s no evidence, selective choosing of evidence, and dates are incorrect

Question 32

What are some modern versions of Pseudoscience?

Answer 32

Anti-vaccination movement, Flat earth society, and homeopathic medicines (uses essential oils and herbs to treat medical conditions)