Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A broad explanation supported by a large body of evidence.

Question 2

In the process of science, which step comes immediately after forming a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Testing predictions through experiments or further observations.

Question 3

A scientist observes that a plant grows faster in sunlight than in shade. She hypothesizes that light intensity affects growth rate. Which is the independent variable in her experiment?

Accepted Answer

The light intensity provided to the plant.

Question 4

Why is it important to match factors such as age, sex, and general health between control and experimental groups in a clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that differences in outcomes are due to the independent variable.

Question 5

Which of the following is a requirement for a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

It must be testable through experiments or observations.

Question 6

In a controlled experiment, what is the purpose of the control group?

Accepted Answer

To serve as a baseline for comparison with the experimental group.

Question 7

A researcher wants to test if a new drug lowers blood pressure. She gives the drug to one group and a placebo to another. What is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The blood pressure measured after treatment.

Question 8

Which scenario best illustrates the use of a controlled experiment?

Accepted Answer

Comparing the growth of plants in two pots, one with fertilizer and one without.

Question 9

In the flashlight example, if replacing the batteries does not fix the flashlight, what does this result indicate?

Accepted Answer

The hypothesis that the batteries are dead is contradicted.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why hypothesis testing is central to the process of science?

Accepted Answer

It provides a systematic way to evaluate explanations using evidence.

Question 11

A scientist wants to know if camouflaged mice are less likely to be attacked by predators. She places camouflaged and non-camouflaged models in a habitat and records the number of attacks. What is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The number of attacks on each type of model.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

It is easily discarded after one contradictory result.

Question 13

If a scientist observes that red pandas share physical similarities with raccoons but DNA evidence shows they are not closely related, what does this illustrate about scientific inquiry?

Accepted Answer

New evidence can lead to changes in scientific classification.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

A scientist wants to test the effect of temperature on enzyme activity. She keeps all other conditions constant except temperature. What is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The temperature at which the experiment is conducted.

Question 16

Which equation best represents the relationship between variables in a controlled experiment?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Dependent Variable} = f(	ext{Independent Variable})$$

Question 17

In a study, researchers found that mice models that did not match their habitat had higher predation rates. What does this result support?

Accepted Answer

The hypothesis that camouflage provides a selective advantage.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a prediction derived from a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

If the batteries are dead, replacing them will fix the flashlight.

Question 19

Why is the process of science described as repetitive, nonlinear, and collaborative?

Accepted Answer

Because scientific inquiry involves revisiting hypotheses, sharing feedback, and integrating societal needs.

Question 20

Which of the following best illustrates the application of scientific thinking to a real-world medical case?

Accepted Answer

A doctor observes symptoms, forms a hypothesis about the disease, predicts which treatment will work, tests the treatment, and analyzes the results.

Scientific Method

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards