Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of a hypothesis in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a tentative statement that can be tested through experimentation or observation.

Question 2

A scientist observes that every winter in the past was colder than the preceding summer and concludes that winter will always be colder than summer. What type of reasoning is this?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a testable prediction using deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

If all mammals have lungs and whales are mammals, then whales have lungs.

Question 4

In a controlled experiment, which variable is intentionally manipulated by the researcher?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Question 5

A biologist wants to test the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. She randomly divides 100 plants into two groups: one receives the fertilizer, and the other does not. What is the purpose of random assignment in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that the results are due to the fertilizer and not other factors

Question 6

After conducting an experiment, a scientist finds that the data do not support her hypothesis. What is the next step according to the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Modify the hypothesis and repeat the experiment

Question 7

Which of the following sources is considered most reliable for scientific information?

Accepted Answer

A peer-reviewed journal article

Question 8

In the example of testing rooting hormones on geranium cuttings, what was the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The length of the roots after 4 weeks

Question 9

Which step in the scientific method involves making broad generalizations from specific observations?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning

Question 10

A scientist uses the following logic: If $A = B$ and $B = C$, then $A = C$. What type of reasoning is this?

Accepted Answer

Deductive reasoning

Question 11

Why is it important to test a hypothesis under many different conditions?

Accepted Answer

To increase the reliability and generalizability of the results

Question 12

Which of the following statements about controlled experiments is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

All but one variable are accounted for, allowing the effect of the independent variable to be measured.

Question 13

A student claims that 'global climate change is caused by increased $CO_2$ levels in the atmosphere, primarily due to human activities.' What part of the scientific method does this statement represent?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Publish results before testing

Question 15

If a prediction made from a hypothesis is found to be true, what should a scientist do next?

Accepted Answer

Continue testing under different conditions to draw a final conclusion

Question 16

Which reasoning process is most commonly used to make predictions from a hypothesis in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Deductive reasoning

Question 17

A website claims to provide scientific information but does not list its authors or sources. What should you do before trusting its content?

Accepted Answer

Evaluate the site for credentials, purpose, and source reliability

Question 18

Which of the following organizations is likely to provide peer-reviewed scientific information?

Accepted Answer

National Geographic

Question 19

In the scientific method, what is the purpose of repeating steps 3 and 4 (making a testable prediction and experimenting/observing)?

Accepted Answer

To refine the hypothesis and increase the accuracy of conclusions

Question 20

Which of the following best illustrates the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning in science?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning makes broad generalizations from specific observations; deductive reasoning makes specific predictions from general principles.

The Scientific Method: Principles and Application in Biology

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