Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A proposed explanation that can be tested and is falsifiable.

Question 2

In a controlled experiment testing the effect of flour type on cookie height, which is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The type of flour used (cake flour vs. all-purpose flour)

Question 3

Why is it inappropriate to say 'just a theory' when referring to a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

Because scientific theories are well-supported by objective data and explain a wide range of observations.

Question 4

A scientist wants to test if vitamin C prevents colds. What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The susceptibility to illness upon exposure to the virus

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a negative control in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

A group that receives no treatment or a placebo

Question 6

What is the main purpose of using a double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment?

Accepted Answer

To eliminate bias from both participants and experimenters

Question 7

Which type of study would be most appropriate for testing the long-term effects of a lifestyle factor on human health?

Accepted Answer

An epidemiological observational study

Question 8

In the echinacea tea experiment, what was the result for the experimental group compared to the control group?

Accepted Answer

The experimental group reported 33% more relief from cold symptoms.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the difference between a scientific fact and a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A fact is a repeatable observation; a theory is a broad explanation supported by evidence.

Question 10

A bar graph is used to:

Accepted Answer

Compare categories of data

Question 11

If error bars on a graph do NOT overlap, what does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

There is likely a meaningful difference between groups.

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-world example of an observational study?

Accepted Answer

Measuring the health outcomes of people who use insulin pumps versus injections over several years

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct sequence of steps in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Observation → Question → Hypothesis → Experiment → Results → Conclusion

Question 14

Why are model systems (such as mice or bacteria) used in biological research?

Accepted Answer

Because they allow researchers to test hypotheses that would be unethical or impractical in humans

Question 15

A pie chart is most useful for:

Accepted Answer

Displaying numerical proportions or percentages of a whole

Question 16

In a clinical trial, why is random assignment of subjects important?

Accepted Answer

It reduces bias and ensures groups are comparable.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the placebo effect?

Accepted Answer

A phenomenon where a patient feels better after receiving a treatment, even if it contains no active ingredient.

Question 18

A researcher collects data on the number of days with cold symptoms in two groups. The control group has a mean of 5 days (standard error = 1), and the experimental group has a mean of 3 days (standard error = 0.5). What does the small standard error indicate?

Accepted Answer

There is low variability and the mean is a reliable estimate.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about scientific communication is correct?

Accepted Answer

Scientists share data, publish papers, and attend meetings to build consensus.

Question 20

A scientific theory is:

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive explanation supported by a large body of evidence.

Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Science of Life – The Process of Science

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard