Biology - 1.1 SA - What is Science?

Is a scientific hypothesis accepted if there is no way to prove that the hypothesis is wrong? Explain your answer.

It is not a scientific hypothesis, because a hypothesis is useful only if it can be tested.

What is the main difference between qualitative and quantitative observations?

Qualitative observations involve characteristics that cannot be measured or counted (ex. color). Quantitative observations involved characteristics that can be measured or counted (ex. length).

What does science study? What does it not study?

Science is the study of the natural world, the search for patterns and connections between events. Science does not address questions that cannot be tested, such as whether an object is beautiful or an action is ethical.

Suppose a community proposes a law to required the wearing of seatbelts in all moving vehicles. How could science play a role in the decision?

Scientific research could provide evidence used to determine whether or not the wearing of seatbelts decrease the number of deaths or the severity of injuries caused by automotive vehicles.

What does it mean to describe a scientist as skeptical? Why is skepticism considered a valuable quality in a scientist?

Skepticism requires that scientists maintain a questioning attitude and look for alternative explanations. It is valuable because findings are always subject to revision as new evidence develops.