Science Basics: Understanding the Fundamentals of Science

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a hypothesis in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

To suggest a possible explanation for an observation

Answer

To prove a theory scientifically

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To design an experiment

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To collect data

Question 2

How do scientific theories differ from scientific laws?

Accepted Answer

A theory offers a well-supported explanation, while a law describes a phenomenon's behavior under specific conditions.

Answer

A law is based on experiments, whereas a theory is based on observations.

Answer

Laws are absolute truths, but theories are subject to change.

Answer

There is no distinction between a theory and a law.

Question 3

What is the fundamental role of experimentation in science?

Accepted Answer

Testing hypotheses and gathering evidence

Answer

Generating unique ideas for new research

Answer

Communicating scientific findings

Answer

Establishing scientific theories as absolute truths

Question 4

What is the term for the process of breaking down complex scientific ideas into smaller, manageable units?

Accepted Answer

Reductionism

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Hypothesis testing

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Inductive reasoning

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Experimentation

Question 5

What is a major limitation of scientific inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Science cannot provide answers to every question.

Answer

Science is always free from biases.

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Scientific theories are universally accepted as absolute truths.

Answer

Scientific research is excessively expensive.

Question 6

Explain the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning.

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning draws general conclusions from specific observations, while deductive reasoning derives specific predictions from general principles.

Answer

Deductive reasoning is considered more reliable than inductive reasoning.

Answer

Inductive reasoning is used to verify hypotheses, while deductive reasoning is used to formulate new theories.

Answer

There is no meaningful difference between inductive and deductive reasoning.

Question 7

Why is replication crucial in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Replication enhances the reliability and validity of scientific findings.

Answer

Replication is only necessary for large-scale scientific studies.

Answer

Replication is not an essential part of the scientific method.

Answer

Replication always yields identical results.

Question 8

The process of making a specific, testable prediction based on your observations is known as:

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis formulation

Answer

Experimentation

Answer

Hypothesis testing

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Data analysis

Question 9

Which of the following is a characteristic of a reliable scientific observation?

Accepted Answer

Objective and unbiased

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Subjective and personal

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Based on a single instance

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Made without the use of instruments

Question 10

The goal of a controlled experiment is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify cause-and-effect relationships

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Gather qualitative data

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Confirm a hypothesis

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Make generalizable conclusions

Question 11

The purpose of a scientific theory is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a well-supported, explanatory model for a broad range of natural phenomena

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Serve as a permanent and absolute explanation

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Be proven true through a single experiment

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Describe individual observations without making generalizations

Question 12

The field of science that studies the behavior of matter and energy is known as:

Accepted Answer

Physics

Answer

Biology

Answer

Chemistry

Answer

Astronomy

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a pseudoscience?

Accepted Answer

Astrology

Answer

Evolutionary biology

Answer

Quantum mechanics

Answer

Meteorology

Question 14

Which characteristic is essential to the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

It involves predicting outcomes and testing them through experiments.

Answer

It depends heavily on personal opinions.

Answer

It relies solely on computer models and theories.

Answer

It ensures that scientific theories are always completely accurate.

Question 15

What is not a defining trait of science?

Accepted Answer

It favors personal beliefs over empirical evidence.

Answer

It bases conclusions on concrete evidence.

Answer

It evaluates phenomena objectively.

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It is subject to ongoing revision.

Question 16

In the scientific method, what is the initial step?

Accepted Answer

Observing and gathering data

Answer

Formulating a hypothesis

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Conducting controlled experiments

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Drawing inferences and conclusions

Question 17

Which of the following is the best definition of a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

An explanation for an observed phenomenon that can be tested

Answer

A statement that has been conclusively proven

Answer

A query about an aspect of the natural world

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An assumption based solely on prior knowledge

Question 18

What is the primary purpose of conducting scientific experiments?

Accepted Answer

To gather data and test hypotheses.

Answer

To establish general principles about the natural world.

Answer

To develop completely new scientific theories.

Answer

To disprove well-established natural laws.

Question 19

Science is best characterized as:

Accepted Answer

A constantly evolving body of knowledge

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A set of unchanging facts

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A collection of beliefs

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A method for predicting the future

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

The law of gravity

Answer

The theory of evolution

Answer

The hypothesis that all swans are white

Answer

The observation that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius

Question 21

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

Accepted Answer

The theory of relativity

Answer

The law of conservation of energy

Answer

The hypothesis that the Earth is round

Answer

The observation that the sun rises in the east

Question 22

Science has played a significant role in shaping our understanding of the world around us. Which of the following is NOT an example of a way that science has impacted society?

Accepted Answer

Making us more superstitious

Answer

Developing new technologies

Answer

Improving our health and well-being

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Helping us to understand our place in the universe

Question 23

Which step is NOT part of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Confirming the hypothesis as the final truth

Answer

Observing and collecting data

Answer

Creating an explanation or hypothesis

Answer

Testing the hypothesis

Question 24

Which of the following accurately represents the steps of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Observation, hypothesis, experiment, conclusion

Answer

Hypothesis, experiment, conclusion, observation

Answer

Experiment, observation, hypothesis, conclusion

Answer

Conclusion, observation, hypothesis, experiment

Question 25

What is the primary purpose of a hypothesis in scientific inquiry?

Accepted Answer

To anticipate the results of an experiment

Answer

To provide an explanation for experimental findings

Answer

To gather data for an experiment

Answer

To establish a scientific theory

Question 26

Which of the following qualifies as a scientific observation?

Accepted Answer

The sky has a blue appearance.

Answer

The Earth is a flat surface.

Answer

Vaccines are responsible for causing autism.

Answer

God is the creator of the universe.

Question 27

What key difference exists between a scientific theory and a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

A theory offers a well-tested explanation, while a law provides a descriptive statement.

Answer

A law offers a well-tested explanation, while a theory provides a descriptive statement.

Answer

There is no distinction between a scientific theory and a scientific law.

Answer

A theory is a proven hypothesis, whereas a law is a hypothesis that lacks proof.

Question 28

What is the primary purpose of a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

To provide a tentative explanation for an observation

Answer

To prove a scientific theory

Answer

To collect data for an experiment

Answer

To predict the outcome of an experiment

Question 29

Which characteristic is a hallmark of scientific knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Tentative and subject to revision

Answer

Absolute and unchanging

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Based on personal beliefs and opinions

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Derived solely from mathematical equations

Question 30

How do scientific theories differ from scientific laws?

Accepted Answer

Theories are more general and explain a wider range of phenomena

Answer

Laws are more general and explain a wider range of phenomena

Answer

Theories are more specific and describe a particular set of observations

Answer

Laws are more specific and describe a particular set of observations

Question 31

Who is considered the historical pioneer of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Galileo Galilei

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Isaac Newton

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Albert Einstein

Question 32

How is science directly related to technology?

Accepted Answer

Technology is a direct result of applying scientific knowledge.

Answer

Technology is developed without any connection to scientific theories.

Answer

Science and technology are completely unrelated.

Question 33

How does the scientific method facilitate the ongoing development of scientific knowledge?

Accepted Answer

It enables the testing and refinement of hypotheses based on experimental data.

Answer

It solely relies on expert opinions to establish scientific principles.

Answer

It assumes all scientific theories are equally valid without experimental verification.

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It discourages the consideration of new evidence that challenges existing theories.

Question 34

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

Accepted Answer

To gather information about the world around us

Answer

To test hypotheses

Answer

To draw conclusions

Question 35

Which of the following is the best example of a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

If I drop a ball, it will fall to the ground

Answer

The sky is blue

Answer

Science is the best subject

Question 36

What is the role of experimentation in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

To test hypotheses

Answer

To collect data

Answer

To draw conclusions

Question 37

How does the provisional nature of scientific knowledge and scientific uncertainty impact our understanding of the world?

Accepted Answer

The provisional nature of scientific knowledge encourages skepticism and critical thinking.

Answer

Scientific knowledge is absolute and never changes.

Answer

Scientific theories are merely speculations and should not be trusted.

Answer

Scientific uncertainty implies that we can never be certain about anything.

Question 38

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

Accepted Answer

Relies on tradition and dogma

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Based on logical reasoning

Answer

Seeks explanations for natural phenomena

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Uses empirical evidence

Question 39

The initial step in the scientific method is:

Accepted Answer

Making observations

Answer

Drawing conclusions

Answer

Conducting experiments

Answer

Formulating a hypothesis

Question 40

Which of the following is an example of a valid hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

If I exercise regularly, I will lose weight.

Answer

The Earth is flat.

Answer

Vaccines cause autism.

Answer

God created the universe.

Question 41

What is the primary purpose of a controlled experiment?

Accepted Answer

To isolate the effect of a single variable

Answer

To confirm a hypothesis

Answer

To gather qualitative data

Answer

To test multiple variables simultaneously

Question 42

Which of the following is an example of a pseudoscience?

Accepted Answer

Astrology

Answer

Chemistry

Answer

Astronomy

Answer

Biology

Question 43

What is the primary significance of science in society?

Accepted Answer

It contributes to problem-solving, informed decision-making, and advancements in quality of life.

Answer

It reinforces religious beliefs.

Answer

It provides entertainment and amusement.

Question 44

Which of the following is not a responsibility of scientists?

Accepted Answer

Suppressing or manipulating data for personal gain

Answer

Collaborating with other scientists.

Answer

Considering the ethical implications of their research.

Answer

Communicating findings accurately.

Question 45

What is the key difference between a scientific law and a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A law describes a natural phenomenon, while a theory explains the underlying mechanisms.

Answer

A theory is more important than a law.

Answer

A law is always true, while a theory can change.