Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary goal of science?

Accepted Answer

To investigate and understand the natural world, explain events, and use those explanations to make useful predictions.

Question 2

A scientist observes that a certain plant grows faster in sunlight than in shade. She proposes that increased sunlight causes increased growth. What is her next step according to the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Design and conduct a controlled experiment to test her hypothesis.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about scientific hypotheses is correct?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis must be testable and supported or refuted by empirical evidence.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

All birds have feathers. This animal is a bird. Therefore, it has feathers.

Question 5

Which of the following best distinguishes a scientific theory from a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

A theory explains why phenomena occur, while a law describes what happens.

Question 6

A student claims that a certain energy drink improves athletic performance. Which of the following would be the most scientific way to test this claim?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a controlled experiment comparing athletes who drink the energy drink to those who do not.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of science?

Accepted Answer

It seeks to confirm personal beliefs regardless of evidence.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes empirical evidence?

Accepted Answer

Evidence that is observable and measurable, and yields the same results regardless of who observes it.

Question 9

A researcher collects data on the number of bacteria colonies growing on a petri dish. This is an example of which type of data?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative data

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of inductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Observing that several birds have feathers and concluding that all birds have feathers.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why science is considered a self-correcting process?

Accepted Answer

Scientific ideas are constantly tested and revised based on new evidence.

Question 12

A student observes that a chemical reaction produces heat and light. She records these observations as:

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data

Question 13

Which of the following is a key difference between science and pseudoscience?

Accepted Answer

Science invites criticism and is based on verifiable results, while pseudoscience does not.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

A description of an observed phenomenon that does not explain why it occurs.

Question 15

Why is it important for scientific investigations to be ethical?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the safety and rights of participants and maintain public trust in science.

Question 16

A scientist wants to test the effect of temperature on enzyme activity. She keeps all variables constant except temperature. What is the variable she is testing called?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Does increasing the amount of sunlight affect the rate of photosynthesis in plants?

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why homeostasis is fundamental to life?

Accepted Answer

It allows organisms to maintain stable internal conditions necessary for survival.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of applying the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

A doctor tests different antibiotics to determine which is most effective against a bacterial infection.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between quantitative and qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative data is numerical and measurable, while qualitative data describes characteristics or qualities.

Unit 1, L1

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards