The Scientific Method

Question 1

Explain the steps in the scientific method (4 marks)

Answer 1

1. The scientist will observe something they don’t understand
2. They will come up a hypothesis
3. They test the hypothesis by gathering evidence after a prediction that backs up the said prediction
4. They will share their findings so other scientists can repeat the tests

Question 2

What is a hypothesis? (1 mark)

Answer 2

A possible explanation for an observation

Question 3

Why would a scientist share their findings? (1 mark)

Answer 3

So that they can be peer-reviewed and tested to make sure the results were accurate/detect false claims

Question 4

Why are accepted hypotheses referred to as “theories”? (1 mark)

Answer 4

Because there is still a chance that it is incorrect, we just haven’t found a way to prove it is incorrect

Question 5

What is a representation model? (1 mark)

Answer 5

A simplified description or picture of what’s going on in real life

Question 6

Why are computational models used and what are they used for? (2 marks)

Answer 6

They are used because they accurately take into account any changes you make with new data and all the different variables you put in

To create simulations of complex real-life processes

Question 7

What would be a limitation on a model demostarting climate change? (1 mark)

Answer 7

It’s hard to take into account different biological and chemical processes that influence climate change

Question 8

What are 4 issues sometimes raised by scientific developments? (4 marks)

Answer 8

1. The evidence could be presented in a biased way (simplified, inaccurate) either unknowingly or to conform to an agenda
2. Social - Issues that affect real people (e.g. alcohol/drug bans - what effects would they have on real lives?)
3. Enviromental - Issues that damage the world around us (e.g. genetically modified crops can help us produce more food but could also cause damage to the unviroment
4. Ethically ambiguous - Issues that could be considered morally questionable

Question 9

What could be a reason why a scientist couldn’t prove a hypothesis? (2 marks)

Answer 9

If they don’t have the resources or the technology to gather the data to support the hypothesis