Quiz: Intro to Scientific Method

What's the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

• "Theory" is another word for "fact;" "hypothesis" is another word for "guess."
• Hypotheses can't be proven; theories can.
• Theories have been confirmed through tests; hypotheses haven't.
• Theories contain many hypotheses; a hypothesis only contains one theory

Place the following steps in sequence: A) Recognizing a problem B) Testing a hypothesis C) Drawing inferences

• A, C, B
• A, B, C
• B, C, A
• C, B, A

In the phrase, "The scientific method is an analytic process for determining why things happen," what's the best synonym for "analytic?"

• Probable
• Amazing
• Incoherent
• Draw conclusions

What must you do before you make a hypothesis?

• Run an experiment
• Make observations
• Form a theory
• Draw conclusions

If you were running an experiment to determine the temperature at which beans sprout the fastest, what would be the variable?

• The number of beans you plant
• The height of the sprouts you grow
• The amount of water you give the beans.
• The temperature at which each bean is kept.

You should run an experiment several times to make sure your results are consistent. In the preceding phrase, what does "consistent" mean?

• Obvious
• Perfect
• Unchanging
• Testable

What might cause a theory to change over time?

• New laws passed by the government
• New but untestable ideas
• Changes in public opinion
• The discovery of new evidence

Evolution is one example of a theory. From what you know about the scientific method, what can you conclude about this biological theory?

• It's been tested many times.
• Scientists don't need to test it anymore.
• No one is allowed to test whether it's true or not.
• There is very little evidence to support it

Which of the following is a testable hypothesis?

• Roses are more beautiful than violets
• A plant needs at least five hours of sunlight per day to grow
• Ice cream is delicious.
• Humans will someday land on Mars.

What happens if you test a hypothesis multiple times and the data doesn't support your prediction?

• Change the data to support your prediction
• Run the experiment again until you get the results you're looking for
• Conclude that your hypothesis cannot be proven
• Re-think your hypothesis