uLRQ (NATURE OF SCIENCE)

Science can prove a theory is true but cannot prove it is false. (TRUE/FALSE)

False

Which of the following best describes the logic of scientific inquiry? Select one: a. If my hypothesis is correct, I can expect certain test results. b. If my prediction is correct, it will lead to a testable hypothesis. c. If I generate a testable hypothesis, tests and observations will support it. d. If my observations are accurate, they will support my hypothesis.

a. If my hypothesis is correct, I can expect certain test results.

The fact that scientists consider their conclusions to be tentative means that scientific conclusions are: Select one: a. durable but not unchanging. b. subject to frequent changes. c. all equally valid explanations. d. will never be correct.

a. durable but not unchanging.

Because scientific explanations must be discarded or revised based on new evidence Select one: a. Facts do not exist in science; everything is subject to each individual's opinion. b. Scientists must be willing to change their minds in light of new evidence. c. Science is unable to provide adequate explanations of the natural world. d. Science provides an unreliable view on the world.

b. Scientists must be willing to change their minds in light of new evidence.

How does a scientific theory differ from a scientific hypothesis? a. Theories are proposed to test scientific hypotheses. b. Theories are usually an explanation for a more general phenomenon; hypotheses typically address more specific issues. c. Hypotheses are usually an explanation for a more general phenomenon; theories typically address more specific issues. d. Hypothesis are based on data, theories are not. e. There is very little difference between the two - they are basically the same thing.

b. Theories are usually an explanation for a more general phenomenon; hypotheses typically address more specific issues.

Science favors the parsimonious explanation, meaning the explanation that is the Select one: a. most accepted explanation of all of the facts. b. simplest explanation of all of the facts. c. most scientific explanation of all of the facts. d. the explanation that was proposed first.

b. simplest explanation of all of the facts.

Which of the statements below is the worst definition of science? Select one: a. the logical interpretation of evidence derived from human senses and devices to explain natural phenomena. b. the application of sophisticated tools and reasoning to explore natural and supernatural phenomena. c. one of many approaches that humans can use to understand the universe. d. a method that includes observation, hypothesis building, experimentation, and interpretation of natural phenomena.

b. the application of sophisticated tools and reasoning to explore natural and supernatural phenomena.

Over the past 25 years, our classification of living things has changed from a two kingdom, to three kingdom, to five kingdom, to three domain model. This change is an example of: Select one: a. The increasing complexity of scientific theories. b. The cultural biases of scientists. c. The self-correcting nature of science. d. The limited value of science.

c. The self-correcting nature of science.

A controlled experiment _______. Select one: a. is any experiment that is repeated many times to ensure that the results are accurate b. proceeds at a slow pace to guarantee that the scientist can carefully observe all reactions and process all experimental data c. includes at least two groups, one of which does not receive the experimental treatment d. includes at least two groups, one differing from the other by two or more variables

c. includes at least two groups, one of which does not receive the experimental treatment

Because science is a human endeavor, a. scientific evidence changes depending on the culture of the scientist. b. scientists from different cultures obtain different results. c. scientists' interpretations can be influenced by their cultures.

c. scientists' interpretations can be influenced by their cultures.

The best experimental design ____. Select one: a. includes a large sample size for each condition b. includes a control c. alters only one condition between the controls and the experimental condition d. All of the above

d. All of the above

Ethical scientific practices include all of the following EXCEPT: Select one: a. Properly treating human and animal subjects. b. Conducting oneself appropriately and reporting findings promptly. c. Careful consideration of harmful effects that could be brought about by applying the research. d. Altering experiments or results so they are more consistent with the theory.

d. Altering experiments or results so they are more consistent with the theory.

Because scientists cannot exactly replicate the origin of life, Select one: a. The origin of life should not be pursued scientifically b. The experiments that scientists conduct today cannot provide evidence for how life arose on earth. c. Observation of fossils is the most valuable way scientists can obtain evidence about the origin of life on earth. d. Observations of fossil and living organisms, as well as experiments, can provide evidence for how life arose on earth.

d. Observations of fossil and living organisms, as well as experiments, can provide evidence for how life arose on earth.

The best scientific explanation of a process or observation is determined by: Select one: a. Reputation of the scientist b. Peer review c. the sophistication of the equipment used to collect data d. Scientific evidence

d. Scientific evidence

A friend of yours calls to say that his car would not start this morning. He asks for your help. You say that you think the battery must be dead. If so, then jump-starting the car from a good battery will solve the problem. In doing so, you are _____. a. testing a theory for why the car will not start b. comparing multiple hypotheses for why the car will not start c. making observations to inspire a theory for why the car will not start d. stating a hypothesis and using that hypothesis to make a testable prediction

d. stating a hypothesis and using that hypothesis to make a testable prediction