Chapter 1. 1·4–1·10 A beginner’s guide: what are the steps of the scientific method?

Show What You Know - Self Quiz

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You must read each slide, and complete any questions on the slide, in sequence.

Instructions

Check your understanding of concepts from 1·4–1·10 A beginner’s guide: what are the steps of the scientific method? by answering the following questions.

1.

1. In scientific thinking, which of the following are not subject to revision?

theories

observations

hunches

hypotheses

experiments

Correct! (See section 1·5 Step 1: Make observations.)

Incorrect. (See section 1·5 Step 1: Make observations.)

2.

2. Which of the following has scientific investigation shown to be LEAST reliable in criminal prosecutions?

eyewitness identification

bloodwork

DNA evidence

ballistics

fingerprints

Correct! (See section 1·9 Step 5: Draw conclusions, make revisions.)

Incorrect. (See section 1·9 Step 5: Draw conclusions, make revisions.)

3.

3. If your hypothesis is "Echinacea reduces the duration and severity of the symptoms of the common cold," what is your null hypothesis?

Echinacea increases the duration and severity of the symptoms of the common cold.

Echinacea has no effect on the duration and severity of the symptoms of the common cold.

Vitamin C reduces the duration and severity of the symptoms of the common cold.

Echinacea reduces the duration and severity of the symptoms of the flu.

Vitamin C increases the duration and severity of the symptoms of the common cold.

Correct. (See section 1·6 Step 2: Formulate a hypothesis.)

Incorrect. (See section 1·6 Step 2: Formulate a hypothesis.)

4.

4. If you were to design an experiment to test whether a particular pathogen caused a disease, which of the following choices would be the first step and which the last step you would make if you followed the scientific method precisely?

First: formulate hypothesis; Last: draw conclusions

First: formulate hypothesis; Last: consult prior knowledge

First: collect data; Last: interpret data

First: make observations; Last: draw conclusions

First: make observations; Last: Interpret data

Correct! (See section 1·9 Step 5: Draw conclusions, make revisions.)

Incorrect. (See section 1·9 Step 5: Draw conclusions, make revisions.)

5.

5. Which of the following would be the most reasonable testable prediction for the hypothesis: "All birds can fly"?

Observe all the birds outside your home for a week to see if they all can fly.

Examine the list of all known species of birds and determine if any cannot fly.

Locate places in the world where flight would be advantageous, and count the number of birds that live there.

In a double-blind study, take 100 random animals to see if they all can fly.

Take a random sampling of 5 birds from around the world to verify that they can all fly.

Correct! (See section 1·7 Step 3: Devise a testable prediction.)

Incorrect. (See section 1·7 Step 3: Devise a testable prediction.)

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