Scientific Method and Process

An experiment and its hypothesis NEEDS TO BE (more than one answer)

• falsifiable

• repeatable

• reproducible

• absolute

Answer explanation

An experiment, hypothesis, theory, and other elements of scientific learning need to be analyzed and explored to ensure validity. Statements need to be able to be proven wrong (falsifiable) so it can be tested. Scientists should be able to reliably come to the same conclusion across multiple trials in their experiment (repeatability) and other scientists should be able to recreate the experiment with the same results (reproducibility).

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-3

NGSS.HS-PS2-5

An unexpected result from an experiment can be rejected without analysis

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Science is exploratory. As a scientist and learner, it is important to explore how and why the results of an experiment happened a certain way, regardless of the outcome.

An unexpected outcome might mean that your hypothesis was disproven, or more steps need to be taken to improve experimental design.

A scientific hypothesis or prediction can be defined as

• expected evidence to reveal

• specific problems to identify

• questions to ask from observations

• designed experiments to conduct

Answer explanation

A hypothesis or prediction is an (educated) assumption of an experiment's results. Scientists are often excited to see their hypothesis proven incorrect - it means that there is more to learn!

How many types of variables should an experiment have?

(more than one answer)

• constant variables

• independent variables

• uncontrolled variables

• dependent variables

Answer explanation

Constants are variable(s) held the same for all experimental groups.

An independent variable is a factor that can be changed in an experiment by the scientist.

A dependent variable is a factor that responds to changes in other variables in an experiment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What is a scientific theory?

• A complex hypothesis with many supports

• An absolute, scientific truth

• An idea that everyone believes

• Evolution

Answer explanation

While a hypothesis predicts the outcome of a specific scenario, a theory makes a broader statement to explain a much larger process. Theories are supported by many observations, findings, and experimental results.

The idea behind Darwin's theory of evolution is that organisms change over time and all current species come from pre-existing species. While his main idea is supported by fossils and genetics, some of his other ideas were disproven.

Which type of data involves using numbers?

• Qualitative

• Specific

• Quantitative

• Constant

Answer explanation

Qualitative data are observations based on the five senses. While measurable, experiences can vary between individuals.

Quantitative data is measurable, such as volume, mas, or quantity. These are specific numbers that can be graphed, tracked, and counted.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-2

NGSS.HS-PS1-7

Why should an experiment have multiple trials?

(pick two)

• Check for a repeated, consistent result

• Pick the best answer for your results

• Make sure specific results aren't flukes

• Reject results that don't match your hypothesis

What is the importance of peer review?

• A scientist has proven their hypothesis

• Peer reviewed authors publish often

• A study's results have been checked by other scientists

• Multiple authors show that many agree with you

Answer explanation

A big part of the scientific process is being able to analyze the world. Other groups will try to reproduce similar results in their own experiments. If not possible, it means that something is the experiment's design needs to be improved. A one-off result is not reliable!

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2