1A1 Nature of Science

Question 1

What is the primary goal of science?

Answer 1

To understand and explain natural phenomena.

Scientific research helps explain why seasons change, how gravity works, or why cells divide, making complex processes in nature predictable and understandable.

Question 2

What are the main steps of the scientific method?

Answer 2

• Observe
• Ask a question
• Form a hypothesis
• Experiment
• Analyze results
• Draw conclusions

The scientific method is a systematic approach to investigating questions about the natural world.

Question 3

What is the first step in solving any scientific problem?

Answer 3

Making observations.

Observations involve noticing details and gathering information about a phenomenon.

For example, observing that plants lean toward sunlight can lead to questions about how light affects growth.

Question 4

How can biases affect scientific experiments?

Answer 4

They can lead to prejudices that impact data interpretation.

Biases, whether conscious or unconscious, can affect how scientists design experiments, collect data, or interpret results.

For example, if a researcher believes a drug will work, they might unintentionally focus on results that support this belief, skewing the findings and affecting the experiment’s validity.

Question 5

Define:

Pilot study

Answer 5

A small-scale preliminary study conducted before a full research project.

Pilot studies help researchers test their methods, identify potential problems, and refine their approach before investing in a larger study.

For example, testing a new teaching method with one class before implementing it across an entire school.

Question 6

What does background research involve?

Answer 6

Researching the topic using credible sources.

It helps you learn what has already been studied about a topic. It involves reviewing past experiments, scientific papers, or other reliable sources, like finding out what’s been discovered about how exercise impacts heart health before conducting your own study.

Question 7

What is the purpose of questioning in scientific research?

Answer 7

To drive investigation and exploration of new knowledge.

Science advances by asking questions that lead to hypotheses and experiments. For example, asking “Why do some plants grow better in sunlight?” can lead to controlled experiments testing the effects of light on plant growth.

Question 8

Define:

control group

Answer 8

A group that does not receive the independent variable

The control group allows scientists to compare changes in the experimental group.

For example, in drug testing, one group receives the actual drug, while the control group receives a placebo to determine effectiveness.

Question 9

What is empirical data?

Answer 9

Information that is verifiable by observation and/or experience.

Empirical data are crucial for supporting or rejecting a hypothesis. It’s data you can observe directly or measure, such as counting the number of plants that grow in sunlight compared to shade to test how light affects plant growth.

Question 10

What should researchers do after collecting data?

Answer 10

Analyze the data and make inferences to draw conclusions.

Data analysis involves comparing results with previous research to understand outcomes and make accurate conclusions. This step helps confirm findings or reveals new questions for future research.

Question 11

Why must scientific experiments be repeatable?

Answer 11

To ensure reliability and eliminate bias.

Repeatability allows scientists to verify findings across different trials. If results vary significantly, the study may lack reliability or have uncontrolled variables.

Question 12

What is the role of statistics in science?

Answer 12

To analyze and interpret data accurately.

Statistics help scientists analyze and interpret data through various methods including descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode), and inferential statistics (hypothesis testing, confidence intervals).

Question 13

What p-value commonly indicates statistical significance?

Answer 13

0.05

A p-value of 0.05 indicates a 5% chance that the observed results occurred by random chance. Researchers often use this threshold to determine if their findings are statistically significant.

Question 14

Which measure shows the most frequent value in a dataset?

Answer 14

Mode

The mode represents the most common value within a dataset. It is particularly useful for categorical data or when identifying the most frequent occurrence is important, such as the most common test score in a class.

For example, in the dataset of test scores {85, 90, 92, 85, 88, 85, 91}, the mode is 85, as it appears more frequently than any other score.

Question 15

Fill in the blank:

Data measured and expressed numerically is called _____ data.

Answer 15

quantitative

Quantitative data consists of numbers that can be analyzed to identify patterns and trends, making it easier to draw clear and objective conclusions.

Question 16

What’s the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?

Answer 16

• Qualitative data: Descriptive information (e.g., color, texture).
• Quantitative data: Numerical measurements (e.g., height, weight).

Question 17

True or False:

Larger samples don’t improve result reliability.

Answer 17

False

Larger sample sizes reduce errors, making results more reliable and generalizable. This is why large-scale clinical trials, involving thousands of participants, yield more reliable data on the effects of new medications than small studies.

Question 18

Fill in the blank:

A consistent natural pattern without explanation is called a _____ ______.

Answer 18

scientific law

Newton’s law of gravity, for example, describes the attraction between masses but does not explain the cause of gravity. Laws can often be expressed in mathematical formulas, like 𝐹=𝑚𝑎, which states that force equals mass times acceleration.

Question 19

Define:

scientific hypothesis

Answer 19

A testable idea or prediction.

If you hypothesize that sunlight makes plants grow faster, you can test this by exposing plants to different amounts of sunlight and comparing their growth.

Question 20

How is a theory different from a hypothesis?

Answer 20

A hypothesis is unproven, whereas a theory has been repeatedly tested and validated.

Hypotheses are like options on a multiple-choice test—they need testing to see if they’re correct.

A theory is like the answer key; it’s been confirmed by experiments and evidence.

Question 21

List scientific theories that have changed over time.

Answer 21

1. Atomic Theory – Evolved from Dalton’s indivisible atoms to modern quantum mechanics.
2. Germ Theory – Shifted from “miasma” (bad air) to microorganisms causing disease.
3. Plate Tectonics – Developed from continental drift to explain Earth’s moving plates.

Question 22

What is a non-scientific theory?

Answer 22

Guesses without evidence.

Unlike scientific theories, non-scientific theories are not tested, verified, or accepted in the scientific community, making them more speculative than factual.

Conspiracy theories are considered non-scientific because they often rely on untestable claims, personal beliefs, or anecdotal evidence rather than empirical evidence that can be measured.

Question 23

Define:

Scientific model

Answer 23

A simplified representation of something complex.

Scientific models assist scientists in explaining and studying complex systems by focusing on key aspects while omitting less relevant details.

Question 24

True or False:

A theory eventually becomes a law.

Answer 24

False

A theory explains why something occurs, while a law describes what happens. While theories can help explain patterns observed in laws, they don’t transform into laws themselves.

Question 25

# True or False: Falsifiability is the ability to **prove** a hypothesis wrong with evidence.

Answer 25

True ## Footnote A statement must be *testable* and potentially *falsifiable* to be considered scientific; this distinguishes science from beliefs or opinions. Einstein’s *General Relativity* predicted light bending around the sun, confirmed during the 1919 eclipse; otherwise, it would’ve been falsified.

Question 26

What happens if new evidence **disproves** a scientific theory?

Answer 26

The theory is **modified** to include the new data. ## Footnote Scientific theories are **adaptable** and may change as new evidence emerges. For example, the atomic theory *evolved* as scientists discovered subatomic particles, demonstrating that theories grow and improve with new findings.

Question 27

# True or False: Science **never** changes its ideas.

Answer 27

False ## Footnote Science is **dynamic** and continually evolving. When new evidence contradicts old ideas, scientists adjust theories to fit the new data.

Question 28

# Define: Dogma

Answer 28

An **unquestioned belief** that isn’t tested or open to change. ## Footnote Unlike scientific knowledge, which *evolves* through testing and evidence, dogmas are fixed ideas that are often accepted without question. For centuries, many believed the sun revolved around Earth until Copernicus and Galileo proved otherwise.

Question 29

What is the **purpose** of peer review in scientific research?

Answer 29

To ensure research *quality* and *accuracy*. ## Footnote Peer review **allows** other experts to evaluate and verify a study before publication, helping to prevent errors, bias, or faulty conclusions.

Question 30

# True or False: Science can **achieve** absolute certainty.

Answer 30

False ## Footnote Science seeks *high probability* rather than certainty, as knowledge evolves with new evidence.

Question 31

How does science **encourage** new discoveries?

Answer 31

By *questioning* and *testing* existing ideas. ## Footnote Science *advances* by challenging existing knowledge, exploring new questions, and testing assumptions. **Penicillin's** discovery shows how curiosity and testing lead to breakthroughs. Experiments and evidence have produced medical treatments, technologies, and theories that improve life.

Question 32

# Fill in the blank: Pseudoscience **promotes** ideas that do not follow the _____ _____.

Answer 32

scientific method ## Footnote **Psuedoscience** *lacks* rigorous testing and relies on beliefs, often presenting unverified claims as facts. **Astrology,** for instance, suggests that stars affect human behavior, but it lacks testable evidence and does not adhere to the scientific method.

Question 33

What is the role of **ethics** in scientific research?

Answer 33

It ensures **research** respects rights and is responsible. ## Footnote *Ethical guidelines* help prevent harm, ensure informed consent, and foster integrity in scientific research.

Question 34

What is the **purpose** of accessing prior knowledge in research?

Answer 34

To **understand** what is already known about the topic. ## Footnote Reviewing existing knowledge enables scientists build on past discoveries. For example, reading about similar experiments or theories can *guide new research* and avoid repeating what’s already known.

Question 35

How can **categorization** help in scientific research?

Answer 35

It helps **organize findings** into known groups. ## Footnote Categorization helps scientists in *grouping data into categories* like force or momentum, making it easier to understand patterns, compare new findings, and build on existing knowledge.

Question 36

# Define: Inference

Answer 36

A **conclusion** drawn based on evidence and reasoning. ## Footnote Inferences *enable* scientists predict outcomes or make educated guesses. For instance, if plants grow faster with sunlight, scientists might *infer* that light is crucial for photosynthesis, even before fully testing it.