Chapter 3 Practice Questions

A study using a research method to remove bias is _____. double blinded an internet forum a blog a PhD an MD

double blinded

Which of the following is a p-value that would show statistical significance? 0.3 0.04 0.21 1.05 0.75

0.04

How does a scientific theory differ from a scientific law? Theories and laws are the same thing and do not differ. A scientific theory becomes a scientific law with time. A scientific law becomes a scientific theory> A scientific theory explains why something happens, while a scientific law does not.

A scientific theory explains why something happens, while a scientific law does not.

What is the best definition for a scientific law? A description of what happens each time a phenomenon occurs in a given situation An indisputable scientific fact A description of how something happens An explanation of why an event occurs

A description of what happens each time a phenomenon occurs in a given situation

Which of the following kinds of studies is most reliable? A cohort study A case-control study A cross-sectional survey A double-blind randomized controlled trial

A double-blind randomized controlled trial

A single assertion, a proposed explanation of something based on available knowledge, for something yet to be explained, one that is subject to further experimentation is called: A hypothesis A theory Scientific research Statistical significance Peer review

A hypothesis

Which of the following scientific papers is most likely to be reliable? A paper on climate change, published by a biologist who has mostly published papers in physiology in the past A paper on climate change, published by a politician A paper on climate change, published by a climate scientist who has only published one other paper A paper on climate change, published by a climate scientist who is well-respected and has a twenty year history in the field

A paper on climate change, published by a climate scientist who is well-respected and has a twenty year history in the field

Which of the following kinds of papers is most reliable? A peer-reviewed paper in an obscure scientific journal A non-peer-reviewed paper in an obscure scientific journal A scientific paper published only on the internet A peer-reviewed paper in a well-known scientific journal

A peer-reviewed paper in a well-known scientific journal

List in the correct order from the least credible websites to the most credible websites. A personal blog A well-known news source A website with independent, well-credentialed, and well-sourced experts A well-known news source A website with independent, well-credentialed, and well-sourced experts A personal blog A well-known news source An internet forum A website with independent, well-credentialed, and well-sourced experts A personal blog A well-known news source A website with independent, well-credentialed, and well-sourced experts An internet forum

A personal blog A well-known news source A website with independent, well-credentialed, and well-sourced experts

The systematic investigation of scientific theories and hypotheses is known as: Hypothesis Statistical significance Scientific Research Peer review None of these answers are correct

Scientific Research

Which of the following best defines the term Observation? An educated guess. A thought or an idea. A witnessed and recorded event. Poor documentation of an event.

A witnessed and recorded event.

How might a person thinking critically best respond to other points of view? State that other points of view are obviously wrong Attack the integrity of the person making the argument Acknowledge and consider the other points of view Not give the other point of view any thought

Acknowledge and consider the other points of view

What are some examples of chemistry? Biological processes Nuclear reactions Fermentation All are correct Chemical reactions

All are correct

Which of the following is an example of a point of view? A universal helmet law is the most effective way for states to save lives related to motorcycle accidents. All of the answers are correct. Partial helmet laws can play a role in saving lives if properly enforced. Helmet laws interfere with personal freedoms.

All of the answers are correct.

Which of the following statements is true? Scientific laws are durable. There are no absolutes in science. Scientific laws can be improved with new discoveries. All of the answers are correct.

All of the answers are correct.

Which of these is a major branch of physics? All of these are branches of physics Acoustics Physical chemistry Biophysics Relativity

All of these are branches of physics

The best source of unbiased information about a product or service comes from: Your family member The company or service provider A commercial An independent organization

An independent organization

Which of the following studies touting a claim about human health is something an informed consumer is most likely to trust? An independently financed study conducted on animals whose results were reproduced by another independently financed party with no relation to the first. An independently financed study conducted on humans whose results were reproduced by another independently financed party with no relation to the first. An independently financed study conducted with test tubes whose results were reproduced by another independently financed party with no relation to the first. An independently financed study conducted on humans.

An independently financed study conducted on humans whose results were reproduced by another independently financed party with no relation to the first.

If the null hypothesis states, 'There is no relationship between the amount of sleep a person gets each night and the amount of coffee they drink,' which of the following could be an example of an alternative hypothesis for this study? As the amount of sleep a person gets each night increases, the amount of tea they drink decreases. The amount of sleep a person gets each night does not affect the amount of coffee they drink. If a person drinks coffee before going to sleep at night, they will have more dreams. As the amount of sleep a person gets each night decreases, the amount of coffee they drink increases.

As the amount of sleep a person gets each night decreases, the amount of coffee they drink increases.

Why do scientific laws remain true over time? Because of their ability to incorporate new discoveries Because if something does not agree with a scientific law it is rejected Because they do not change Scientific laws are not durable

Because of their ability to incorporate new discoveries

Which of the following is not true about both scientific laws and scientific theories? Both are based on hypotheses. Both are used to explain why a phenomenon happens. Both can be modified if new evidence arises. Both can be used to make predictions.

Both are used to explain why a phenomenon happens.

You could use this tool to heat up a liquid for a science experiment. Microscope MRI Barometer Bunsen Burner Thermometer

Bunsen Burner

Which of the following is recommended during the critical thinking process? Judging all points of view as equally valid and acceptable Considering the consequences of your conclusion Avoiding focusing on statistical evidence since most people care more about personal stories Avoiding discussing the origins of your point of view

Considering the consequences of your conclusion

Which type of microscope would you use in science class to view tiny objects in two dimensions? Scanning Electron Microscope Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanner Compound Microscope Electron Microscope None of these would be suitable for a school science lab

Compound Microscope

A scientist is running a test of her hypothesis. Which step of the scientific method is she executing? Experiment Observation Analysis Conclusion

Experiment

A key difference between science and religion, astrology, and pseudoscience is that scientific statements are: Unverifiable Falsifiable Untestable Always true Always untrue

Falsifiable

This narrow-mouthed container with a flat bottom can be used to hold liquids. Microscopic Cylinder Beaker Measuring Cup Flask Test Tube

Flask

Which type of chart illustrates relationships between concepts or steps in a process? Table Pie Chart Flow Chart Line Graph Bar Chart

Flow Chart

The branch of physics known as Mechanics deals with what? Auto repair Motors and generators Forces and the behavior of objects Electricity and magnetism Heat, temperature, and energy

Forces and the behavior of objects

This tool is used to accurately measure volume of a liquid. Graduated Cylinder Scale Beaker Bunsen Flask Thermometer

Graduated Cylinder

An informed consumer is someone who: Has taken direct action to quickly investigate and learn about a product or service after its use. Has taken direct action to thoroughly investigate and learn about a product or service after its use. Has taken direct action to preemptively and quickly investigate and learn about a product or service prior to its use. Has taken direct action to preemptively and thoroughly investigate and learn about a product or service prior to its use.

Has taken direct action to preemptively and thoroughly investigate and learn about a product or service prior to its use.

What is an example of an assumption you might make if you are arguing that universal helmet laws should be created and enforced in all states? In certain circumstances, the protection of public safety must outweigh individual freedoms. All of the answers are correct. Protecting a person from their own choices is not the job of the government. Based on government financial data, the United States saved $3 billion due to helmet use in 2010.

In certain circumstances, the protection of public safety must outweigh individual freedoms.

Which variable remains unaffected by the other variables of an experiment? Independent variable Y variable Dependent variable None of these answers are correct.

Independent Variable

If a statement is statistically significant, then: It's likely to have occurred due to chance alone It is unlikely to have occurred due to chance alone It occurred due to chance It didn't occur at all

It is unlikely to have occurred due to chance alone

Why is chemistry known as the central science? Every scientist has to learn chemistry. All other sciences are based on it. It provides a baseline for all other natural sciences. It touches all other natural sciences. It was the first natural science developed

It touches all other natural sciences.

Which type of chart plots the relationship between dependent and independent variables? Flow Chart Bar Chart Pie Chart Line Graph

Line Graph

Which of the following is correct regarding scientific studies? None of them are independently conducted All are bogus All are correct Many are simply not true

Many are simply not true

This is a process where scientific experts not connected to the study and experiment in question check it for scientific accuracy, proper methodology, and relevancy. Scientific research Scientific method Peer review A hypothesis A theory

Peer review

Which is a process that requires feedback from the scientific community? Conclusion Peer review Question Experiment

Peer review

Physics-wise, what was significant about the 16th and 17th centuries? The field of Thermodynamics was invented People like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle had significant scientific breakthroughs Einstein discovered the Theory of Relativity Galileo discovered that the earth rotates around the sun People like Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton had significant scientific breakthroughs

People like Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton had significant scientific breakthroughs

You could use this clear, shallow dish to grow bacteria. Petri Dish MRI Beaker Bunsen Dish Graduated Cylinder

Petri Dish

The sub-fields of quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and kinetics fall under which branch of chemistry? Nuclear chemistry Geochemistry Biochemistry Physical chemistry Applied chemistry

Physical chemistry

Which type of chart compares data with relative percentages? Line Graph Bar Chart Flow Chart Pie Chart

Pie Chart

What is another name for scientific law? Principle. Set of hypotheses. Data. Model.

Principle

At what step in the scientific method does a scientist propose the problem that he or she wants to solve? Hypothesis Experiment Analysis Question

Question

Why are scientific claims generally more reliable than other claims? Scientific claims are based on data and use the scientific method. Scientific claims are not more reliable than other claims. Scientists know more than non-scientists. Scientific claims are proven to be 100% true.

Scientific claims are based on data and use the scientific method.

Which of the following is NOT true about science? Scientists often rely on their experience. Scientists never compete with one another. Scientists often use creativity. Science journals usually require peer review

Scientists never compete with one another.

What is a scientific law? Statements that are very well-tested but not considered truths yet Court rulings about environmental issues Statements that are considered scientific truths Educated guesses None are correct

Statements that are considered scientific truths

Which of the following is the best example of evidence? Helmets are important to public safety. Protecting personal freedoms are important to ensuring liberty for every citizen. Studies show that helmets reduce the risk of death by 37%. Though not studied, driver education may reduce the risk of motorcycle deaths.

Studies show that helmets reduce the risk of death by 37%.

Once a hypothesis is generated, what is the best next step? Submit it to the committee for establishment of scientific law. Wait to see if someone comes up with a better one. Test the hypothesis through experimentation. Assume it is a fact.

Test the hypothesis through experimentation.

There are many reasons why an internet forum is typically not a credible source of information. Which of the following is NOT one of those reasons? Sources for information are not provided. The internet is generally unreliable. Credentials cannot be verified. Expertise cannot be verified. People don't use their real names.

The internet is generally unreliable.

Frank performs an experiment to determine whether the amount of cookies a person eats has an affect on their blood sugar level. Frank finds a strong relationship between the amount of cookies a person eats and their blood sugar level, with a p-value of 0.02. Which of the following shows the correct way for Frank to report his findings? How does one properly write that the alternative hypothesis was correct? The results were statistically significant, and therefore, the experiment rejects the null hypothesis. The results were not statistically significant, and therefore, the experiment fails to reject the null hypothesis. The results were statistically significant, and therefore, the experiment accepts the alternative hypothesis. The results were not statistically significant, and therefore, the experiment rejects the null hypothesis.

The results were statistically significant, and therefore, the experiment rejects the null hypothesis.

If a scientific law is found invalid in certain situation, what will occur? The scientific law is rejected and thrown out. Nothing, scientific laws are always found to be valid. The scientific law is modified to reflect the limitation. The scientific law is demoted to a scientific theory.

The scientific law is modified to reflect the limitation.

Which best describes the field of chemistry? The study of natural phenomena The study of environmental degradation The study of other sciences The study of subatomic particles The study of matter and energy

The study of matter and energy

Which best describes the field of physics? The study of scientific laws The study of life and chemical interactions The study of matter and energy The study of integrating natural sciences The study of foundational engineering

The study of matter and energy

Which of the following statements about scientific theories is wrong? Theories can be changed if new evidence arises. Theories are simple suggestions made on a whim by curious people. Theories are used to explain why natural phenomena occur. Theories are based on sets of hypotheses.

Theories are simple suggestions made on a whim by curious people.

Which of the following is NOT one of the six key steps of the scientific method? Observation Theory Experiment Hypothesis

Theory

If your data produces a p-value of 0.12, which of the following would be true concerning your study? There is an 1.2% probability that your results occurred by chance. There is a 98.8% probability that your results occurred by chance. There is a 12% probability that your results occurred by chance. There is an 88% probability that your results occurred by chance.

There is a 12% probability that your results occurred by chance.

Which of the following is the best example of a null hypothesis? There will be no relationship between the amount of cookies you eat and your blood sugar level. As the amount of cookies you eat decreases, your blood sugar level will remain constant. As the amount of cookies you eat increases, your blood sugar level will increase. As the amount of cookies you eat increases, your blood sugar level will decrease.

There will be no relationship between the amount of cookies you eat and your blood sugar level.

An informed consumer would: Never trust any expert Trust any random blogger Trust any single author, so long as they have a bunch of letters before and after their name Trust a collective expert opinion

Trust a collective expert opinion

Which of the following is NOT a worthwhile question to ask when evaluating a scientific claim? Who is the scientist? Was the scientist just trying to keep his or her research funding? How was the research done? Were the results statistically significant?

Was the scientist just trying to keep his or her research funding?

Which axis is the horizontal axis? Z axis Y axis None of these answers are correct X axis

X axis

A blog is most likely to be a credible source of health information when it is written by _____. an anonymous person that cites their sources and is sponsored by a corporation. a highly credentialed person that cites their sources and isn't sponsored by a corporation. an anonymous person that cites their sources and isn't sponsored by a corporation. a highly credentialed person that cites their sources and is sponsored by a corporation.

a highly credentialed person that cites their sources and isn't sponsored by a corporation.

A hypothesis is basically _____. evidence a fact a law an educated guess

an educated guess

A scientific theory is _____. a supposition occasionally proven a statement of fact an explanation that has been tested over time

an explanation that has been tested over time

An internet website where users post messages to one another is likely to be _____. a news website (with no comments section) a research paper a personal blog written by one person only (with no comment section) a government health website an internet forum

an internet forum

Analytical chemists _____, while applied chemists _____. analyze DNA, apply chemistry to different scientific fields analyze matter, solve problems study environmental chemicals, apply physics to chemistry solve problems, analyze matter analyze matter, study medicine

analyze matter, solve problems

A scientific theory started as a scientific_____. principle law fact hypothesis

hypothesis

One difference between a _____ is testing over time. law and a theory hypothesis and a theory fact and a theory law and a fact

hypothesis and a theory

Scientific theories are used to advance scientific _____. principles law facts knowledge

knowledge