Scientific Method
The first step of the scientific method.
Form a testable question.
A horoscope is an example of this.
Pseudoscience.
A diagram, simulation, or equation used to explain or predict.
Scientific model.
Data that use numbers are called this.
Quantitative data.
What is the difference between accuracy and precision in data collection?
Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the true value; precision is how close repeated measurements are to each other.
This step comes after background research.
Forming a hypothesis.
One key difference between science and pseudoscience.
Science relies on evidence; pseudoscience relies on belief.
This is a well-supported explanation backed by evidence.
Scientific theory.
Data that describe physical traits are called this.
Qualitative data.
Why do scientists include a control group in experiments?
To provide a baseline for comparison so only the independent variable is affecting the results.
The difference between an independent and dependent variable.
Independent is changed, dependent is measured.
Why pseudoscience cannot be tested scientifically.
It makes claims that are not testable or falsifiable.
This is a description of a consistent relationship in nature.
Scientific law.
The best type of graph to show temperature change over time.
Line graph.
What is the main reason scientists repeat measurements in the same experiment?
To increase reliability and reduce random errors (repetition).
Why controlled variables are important in experiments.
They ensure a fair test by keeping conditions the same.
A company claims their bracelet improves balance and energy but refuses to let independent scientists test it. Why does this make the claim pseudoscience instead of science?
Because real science requires testable, repeatable evidence, while pseudoscience avoids independent testing and relies on unsupported claims.
The key difference between a theory and a law.
Law describes what happens; theory explains why.
A student wants to track the temperature of a cup of hot water as it cools every 5 minutes for 30 minutes. Which type of graph should they use, and why?
A line graph, because it shows change in data over time.
What is the main reason scientists want other groups to perform the same experiment?
To confirm results through replication and make findings more trustworthy.
Design an experiment to test how light affects plant growth (state IV, DV, and one control).
IV: Amount of light. DV: Plant growth (height). Control: Same type of soil, water, and plant species.
Explain why astrology is pseudoscience but astronomy is science
Astrology is belief-based and untestable; astronomy uses evidence and repeatable observations.
Give one example of a model and explain how it helps scientists.
Example: A solar system model; helps visualize orbits and positions.
Why repetition and replication make data more reliable.
They reduce errors and confirm results across different trials and researchers.
A student measures the volume of a liquid three times and gets 50 mL, 51 mL, and 49 mL. The actual volume is 75 mL. Is the data accurate, precise, both, or neither? Explain.
The data is precise (measurements are close together) but not accurate (they are far from the true value).