What is Science? - Definition, Methods, and Importance

Question 1

Which characteristic is essential to the scientific approach?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity and empirical evidence

Answer

Reliance on supernatural explanations

Answer

Acceptance of unverified beliefs

Answer

Subjectivity and personal opinions

Question 2

In science, what is the process called that tests a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Experimentation

Answer

Verification

Answer

Falsification

Answer

Induction

Question 3

Which of these is not a form of scientific evidence?

Accepted Answer

Assumptions

Answer

Observations

Answer

Inferences

Answer

Data

Question 4

What is the purpose of falsification in scientific inquiry?

Accepted Answer

To test the validity of a hypothesis

Answer

To establish the validity of a hypothesis

Answer

To disprove existing scientific knowledge

Answer

To prove a hypothesis correct

Question 5

What is the main function of peer review in science?

Accepted Answer

To improve the quality of scientific publications

Answer

To ensure only groundbreaking research is published

Answer

To prevent the spread of false information

Answer

To provide peer recognition for scientists

Question 6

In scientific inquiry, what is the primary purpose of experimentation?

Accepted Answer

To validate observations and test hypotheses

Answer

To replace observation as the sole basis for scientific knowledge

Answer

To generate scientific theories without relying on observations

Answer

To provide definitive proof of scientific theories

Question 7

What is the fundamental purpose of the scientific process?

Accepted Answer

To ascertain and comprehend the natural world

Answer

To devise novel technologies

Answer

To validate or refute religious beliefs

Answer

To establish immutable laws governing the universe

Question 8

Which attribute is not a defining characteristic of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Acceptance of assumptions without evidence

Answer

Hypothesis testing

Answer

Observation and experimentation

Answer

Seeking empirical evidence to support or refute claims

Question 9

In science, what is the function of evidence?

Accepted Answer

To corroborate or refute hypotheses

Answer

To establish absolute certainty and infallibility of theories

Answer

To support personal opinions and preconceptions

Answer

To provide a definitive basis for action

Question 10

Which of the following accurately defines a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A well-supported explanation of a natural phenomenon

Answer

An unassailable fact beyond any doubt

Answer

A provisional hypothesis awaiting further validation

Answer

A compilation of unrelated observations

Question 11

Define science using the steps of the scientific method.

Accepted Answer

Science is a systematic process involving observation, hypothesis testing, and theory formulation to understand the natural world.

Answer

Science is a collection of established facts and knowledge, organized based on experimental evidence.

Answer

Science is subjective and based on personal interpretations and beliefs.

Answer

Science is an absolute and unchanging system that provides definitive truths about the world.

Question 12

Which characteristic is fundamental to the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Reliance on empirical evidence

Answer

Acceptance of tradition and dogma

Answer

Exclusively based on deductive logic

Answer

Focus on personal beliefs and experiences

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a component of the scientific process?

Accepted Answer

Religious faith

Answer

Observation

Answer

Hypothesis formation

Answer

Experimentation

Question 14

How does scientific knowledge differ from other types of knowledge?

Accepted Answer

It is subject to ongoing revision and refinement.

Answer

It is based solely on personal experiences.

Answer

It is universally accepted as infallible.

Answer

It is derived entirely from spiritual beliefs.

Question 15

What is the purpose of peer review in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure accuracy and reliability

Answer

To promote consensus among scientists

Answer

To prevent the spread of controversial ideas

Answer

To safeguard the intellectual property rights of researchers

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

The law of gravity

Answer

The theory of evolution

Answer

The heliocentric model

Answer

The atomic theory

Question 17

What is the primary function of a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

To provide a comprehensive explanation of a natural phenomenon

Answer

To predict future events without error

Answer

To establish universal moral principles

Answer

To confirm religious beliefs

Question 18

What is the role of induction in scientific reasoning?

Accepted Answer

To draw general conclusions from specific observations

Answer

To establish essential conditions for a phenomenon

Answer

To prove hypotheses with absolute certainty

Answer

To justify scientific theories based on personal experiences

Question 19

How does science interact with other areas of knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Science both draws inspiration from and informs other disciplines

Answer

Science is entirely independent of other fields of inquiry

Answer

Science is superior to all other forms of knowledge

Answer

Science directly contradicts religious beliefs

Question 20

Which of the following is not considered a characteristic of scientific inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Acceptance of unproven claims

Answer

Reliance on empirical evidence

Answer

Emphasis on objectivity

Answer

Systematic observation and experimentation

Question 21

In science, the role of evidence is primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Validate or challenge hypotheses

Answer

Provide definitive proof of scientific claims

Answer

Establish universal and unchanging scientific laws

Answer

Confirm all scientific theories without exception

Question 22

According to Karl Popper, which concept is central to the philosophy of science?

Accepted Answer

Falsifiability

Answer

Verifiability

Answer

Inductivism

Answer

Deductivism

Question 23

Differentiate between a hypothesis and a theory in the context of science:

Accepted Answer

A theory is more specific and testable than a hypothesis.

Answer

A hypothesis is more general and widely applicable than a theory.

Answer

A hypothesis is not supported by evidence, while a theory is.

Answer

A theory is universally accepted, while a hypothesis is subject to revision.

Question 24

Why is replicability crucial in science?

Accepted Answer

It ensures the reliability and reproducibility of scientific findings.

Answer

It allows scientists to prove their hypotheses beyond any doubt.

Answer

It eliminates the need for peer review and independent verification.

Answer

It guarantees the absolute truth of all scientific theories.

Question 25

How does science contribute to our understanding of the natural world?

Accepted Answer

By providing empirical evidence and testable explanations

Answer

By establishing absolute and unchanging truths about the universe

Answer

By confirming our existing beliefs and biases

Answer

By eliminating all uncertainty and doubt

Question 26

What makes scientific knowledge unique compared to other types of knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Scientific knowledge is open to change with new evidence and relies on empirical observations.

Answer

Scientific knowledge is unchanging and absolute.

Answer

Scientific knowledge is based on personal beliefs and experiences.

Answer

Scientific knowledge only applies to the natural world.

Question 27

Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the scientific method when it comes to acquiring reliable knowledge.

Accepted Answer

The scientific method can yield reliable knowledge, but it's essential to be mindful of its limitations, potential biases, and room for error.

Answer

The scientific method provides absolute and infallible knowledge.

Answer

The scientific method is the sole means of gaining dependable knowledge.

Answer

The scientific method operates without biases or subjectivity.

Question 28

Which of the following is not an essential characteristic of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Observation and data collection

Answer

Hypothesis formulation and testing

Answer

Controlled experimentation

Question 29

What is the primary objective of hypothesis testing in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

To gather empirical evidence for or against a proposed explanation

Answer

To confirm existing theories without further investigation

Answer

To generate innovative ideas unsupported by evidence

Answer

To communicate research findings to a limited audience

Question 30

Which of the following best exemplifies a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

The constant acceleration due to gravity on Earth

Answer

The belief that all swans are white

Answer

The assumption that the sun rises in the east every day

Answer

The observation that plants require sunlight for growth

Question 31

How are theories and hypotheses distinct in the context of scientific inquiry?

Accepted Answer

A theory is a well-supported explanation for a wide range of phenomena, while a hypothesis is a more specific, testable prediction.

Answer

A hypothesis is a general statement, while a theory is a more limited explanation.

Answer

A theory is a prediction, while a hypothesis is an observation.

Answer

There is no fundamental difference between a theory and a hypothesis.

Question 32

Which characteristic is fundamental to scientific knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Reliance on empirical evidence and observation

Answer

Absolute and unchanging nature

Answer

Dependence on personal beliefs and opinions

Answer

Derivation solely from logical reasoning

Question 33

What is the primary function of observation in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Gathering data to support or refute a hypothesis

Answer

Generating new hypotheses without prior evidence

Answer

Communicating findings to the scientific community

Answer

Validating existing theories without further testing

Question 34

Which criticism highlights a potential limitation of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

It may be influenced by human biases and subjectivity

Answer

It is exclusively applicable to the study of the natural world

Answer

It places excessive emphasis on statistical analysis

Answer

It can provide definitive answers to all scientific questions

Question 35

What is the role of evidence in the scientific process?

Accepted Answer

Supporting or refuting hypotheses and theories

Answer

Generating new ideas without empirical foundation

Answer

Communicating scientific knowledge to a wider audience

Answer

Validating personal beliefs and opinions

Question 36

What is the ultimate goal of scientific inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Explaining and comprehending the natural world

Answer

Developing new technologies for commercial gain

Answer

Providing definitive proof of the existence of a higher power

Answer

Manipulating and controlling the environment without regard to consequences

Question 37

Which of the following best represents a scientific model?

Accepted Answer

A diagrammatic representation of the solar system

Answer

A deeply held belief in the power of prayer

Answer

A detailed recipe for baking a cake

Answer

A personal diary recording daily experiences

Question 38

Which philosophical approach to science prioritizes observation and logical reasoning, while dismissing philosophical inquiries into the nature of reality?

Accepted Answer

Logical positivism

Answer

Falsificationism

Answer

Scientific realism

Answer

Constructivism

Question 39

What is the primary purpose of evidence in the scientific process?

Accepted Answer

To support or refute hypotheses

Answer

To provide absolute proof

Answer

To generate new questions

Answer

To confirm personal beliefs

Question 40

Which of the following is an example of a scientific question that can be tested through observation and experimentation?

Accepted Answer

Why is the sky blue?

Answer

What is the meaning of life?

Answer

Is there a god?

Answer

What is the best color?

Question 41

Which of the following is a key criterion that distinguishes a scientific theory from other forms of knowledge?

Accepted Answer

It is falsifiable

Answer

It is based on empirical evidence

Answer

It is universally accepted

Answer

It is static and unchanging

Question 42

What is the consensus among climate scientists regarding the primary driver of global climate change?

Accepted Answer

It is happening and human activity is a major cause

Answer

It is a hoax

Answer

It is not happening

Answer

It is happening but human activity is not a major cause

Question 43

Why is scientific knowledge considered provisional and subject to change?

Accepted Answer

New discoveries and technologies can provide new insights and challenge existing theories.

Answer

Scientists are biased and let their personal beliefs influence their work.

Answer

Science is not an exact science and there is always room for error.

Answer

Scientists are constantly changing their minds about what is true.

Question 44

Science primarily utilizes which method to acquire knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Empirical method involving observation, experimentation, and hypothesis testing.

Answer

Intuition and brainstorming.

Answer

Purely logical reasoning.

Question 45

The scientific method typically consists of which key steps?

Accepted Answer

Formulating a hypothesis, testing it through experimentation, and analyzing the results.

Answer

Conducting experiments without a clearly defined hypothesis.

Answer

Relying solely on intuition and guesswork.

Question 46

Which of the following best exemplifies the defining characteristic of a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

It has been rigorously tested and supported by a substantial body of empirical evidence.

Answer

It aligns with existing religious beliefs and societal norms.

Answer

It is proposed by a renowned scientist in the field.

Question 47

Which branch of philosophy specifically focuses on the nature and boundaries of scientific knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Philosophy of science

Answer

Metaphysics

Answer

Epistemology

Question 48

A key distinction between science and pseudoscience lies in their reliance on:

Accepted Answer

Empirical evidence versus anecdotal evidence and unsubstantiated claims.

Answer

Science is always true, while pseudoscience is always false.

Question 49

The placebo effect demonstrates:

Accepted Answer

The influence of the mind on physical responses.

Answer

Alternative medicine's superiority over conventional medicine.

Answer

Limited effectiveness in individuals with higher education levels.

Question 50

Science has played a significant role in:

Accepted Answer

Expanding human knowledge and comprehension of the natural world.

Answer

Encouraging religious beliefs and spiritual practices.

Answer

Establishing moral values and ethical guidelines.