Chapter 1 Review (Sapling). Bio 1450
Statements about a Hypothesis
-A scientist poses a possible explanation for an observation that has not been tested yet. -Researchers notice that plants growing in iron-rich soil seem to tolerate cold quite well. They plan an experiment to see if iron in the soil improves cold tolerance in plants. -An ornithologist suspects that more young birds will survive in years when caterpillars are an abundant food source.
Examples of a hypothesis.
-A scientist proposes that the protein shell of the virus contains its genetic material. -A scientist predicts that the DNA molecule of the virus contains its genetic material.
Characteristics of a good hypothesis.
-Is created from careful research and logical reasoning. -Is able to be tested using validated techniques.
The scientific method is a set of techniques for gaining new knowledge about the world in which we live. However, these techniques come with a rigid set of rules that are sometimes misinterpreted. Identify the statements that accurately describe science and the scientific method.
-Scientific theories can be made obsolete by new experiments or observations. -Scientific findings are based on carefully tested and scrutinized observations. -Science is a process that is limited to answering questions about the natural world.
Statements about a Theory
-Scientists develop a well-tested and reliable explanation, based on numerous reliable studies. -After conduction numerous investigations, scientists conclude that all living organisms are made of cells.
Classify each example as inductive reasoning or deductive reasoning.
INDUCTIVE REASONING: -The first five homework assignments in a class were due on a Tuesday, therefore all homework assignments in the class will be due on Tuesdays. -All of a couple's female children have blond hair, therefore any other female children they have will have blond hair. DEDUCTIVE REASONING: -If all the students in a science class passed the midterm test, and Carrie is in the science class, then Carrie passed the midterm test. -If all plants carry out photosynthesis, and an oak tree is a plant, then oak trees carry out photosynthesis.
A great variety of predictions and hypotheses can be tested using the methods of science. Even so, there are some questions that do not lend themselves to scientific testing. Sort the statements as predictions or hypotheses that are scientifically testable and those that cannot be tested scientifically.
SCIENTIFICALLY TESTABLE: -Planting fields with several types of rice results in less disease and higher yields. -Taking vitamin C supplements every day will decrease the likelihood of catching a cold. -Meditating daily reduces the recurrence of depression in those who have had depression before. CANNOT BE TESTED SCIENTIFICALLY: -Strawberries taste nicer and look better when the plants are watered every other day. -Selling a child into slavery is wrong even is doing so keeps the rest of the family from dying of starvation. -A person's soul is separate from his or her body and the soul will continue to exist even after the person dies.
