Scientists develop hypotheses on a regular basis. After suggesting a hypothesis, a scientist designs an experiment and obtains data. Often the data obtained confirms the original hypothesis. Which of the following best describes when a hypothesis becomes a theory?
A. When one good set of scientific data supports a theory
Incorrect. One set of good data is not enough for a hypothesis to become a theory. Theories are built over time with many sets of data and many confirmed hypotheses supporting the concepts behind the theory.
B. When the official scientific method is followed
Incorrect. The scientific method is followed for every experiment. Following the scientific method for one experiment or a group of experiments does not mean that a theory will be developed.
C. When it is supported by consistent data from many experimental trials over time
Correct! A theory comes to be when consistent data shows a pattern of evidence over time.
D. When a website is created to display and explain the theory
Incorrect. The creation of a website has no bearing on scientific theory.
Which of the following are characteristics of scientific theory?
A. I only
Incorrect. There are additional characteristics in the list.
B. I and II
Incorrect. There are additional characteristics in the list.
C. I, II and III
Incorrect. Characteristic III is a characteristic of a hypothesis.
D. I, II and IV
Correct! I, II, and IV are all characteristics of a scientific theory.
Which of the following statements best explains the relationship between scientific hypothesis and scientific theory?
A. Scientific theories are made by testing multiple hypotheses.
Correct! One of the characteristics of a scientific theory is that it is made up of many hypotheses.
B. Scientific hypothesis and scientific theories are not related.
Incorrect. Scientific hypothesis are the foundation for scientific theories.
C. Scientific hypothesis are made up of multiple theories.
Incorrect. The reverse is true.
D. Scientific theories and scientific hypothesis are the same.
Incorrect. Although sometimes we hear that in every-day language, scientific theories and scientific hypothesis are not the same.
Which of the following increases the reliability of a scientific explanation?
A. Vague statements
Incorrect. Vague statements make the explanation unreliable.
B. Repeatable data
Correct! If the investigation is repeated and the data is the same then the scientific explanation can be considered reliable.
C. Notes taken after the investigation
Incorrect. Detailed notes should be taken during an investigation.
D. Several likely explanations
Incorrect. Several likely explanations makes the explanation unreliable.
When you are evaluating a scientific explanation you should use —
A. bias
Incorrect. Evaluations of scientific explanations should be bias free.
B. critical thinking
Correct! When evaluating scientific explanations you must use your critical thinking skills. Critical thinking means combining what you already know with the new facts that you are given to decide if you should agree with something.
C. creative thinking
Incorrect. When evaluating scientific explanations you should combine what you already know with the new facts that you are given to decide if you should agree with something. This is not critical thinking.
D. vague statements
Incorrect. Statements made during scientific explanations should be specific.