Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A proposed explanation for a set of observations that must be testable and falsifiable.

Question 2

In a controlled experiment, what is the primary difference between the control group and the experimental group?

Accepted Answer

The experimental group receives the specific factor being tested, while the control group does not.

Question 3

Which type of graph is most appropriate for displaying data that shows continuous change over time?

Accepted Answer

Line graph

Question 4

A scientist wants to test the effect of fertilizer on plant growth. Which is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The amount of fertilizer added

Question 5

Which of the following is a key feature that distinguishes science from pseudoscience?

Accepted Answer

Open to outside review and repeatable results

Question 6

In the baby sea turtle experiment, what was the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The speed of travel of the tracked object

Question 7

Which of the following is the best way to evaluate the reliability of a scientific claim?

Accepted Answer

Determine if the information was published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Question 8

What is the main purpose of a double-blind experiment in medical trials?

Accepted Answer

To minimize bias by ensuring neither the participant nor the experimenter knows which group is receiving the treatment.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about scientific theories is correct?

Accepted Answer

A theory must be abandoned if new contradictory evidence is discovered.

Question 10

If a graph shows the relationship between elevation and temperature, with temperature decreasing as elevation increases, which variable should be placed on the x-axis?

Accepted Answer

Elevation

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a rule to follow when graphing scientific data?

Accepted Answer

Use the same scale for both axes regardless of the data.

Question 12

A fact in science is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

A piece of information considered to be objectively true based on all current evidence.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a variable in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

The amount of fertilizer added to plants

Question 14

Why is peer review important in the scientific process?

Accepted Answer

It provides quality control by having impartial experts evaluate the research.

Question 15

Which of the following is a sign that a claim may be pseudoscientific?

Accepted Answer

The claim relies heavily on anecdotal evidence.

Question 16

In the scientific method, what is the next step after making observations and recording data?

Accepted Answer

Formulating a hypothesis

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is manipulated to observe changes in the dependent variable.

Question 18

A researcher wants to know if a new drug is effective. She gives the drug to one group and a placebo to another, but neither she nor the participants know which group received which. What type of study is this?

Accepted Answer

Double-blind study

Question 19

Which of the following is a cornerstone of science?

Accepted Answer

Developing explanations that apply to the greatest variety of phenomena

Question 20

Given the equation for a line graph $$y = mx + b$$, if $$m is $$negative, what does this indicate about the relationship between the variables?

Accepted Answer

As $$x$$ increases, $$y$$ decreases.

Scientific Study of Life: The Process of Science in Biology

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