Scientific Theory and Casual Use of the Word Theory Quiz

What is the difference between the casual use of the word 'theory' and the scientific use of the word 'theory'?

• In casual use, theory is an opinion, while in scientific use, theory is an explanation supported by scientific evidence.

• In casual use, theory is a fact, while in scientific use, theory is a guess.

• In casual use, theory is a scientific explanation, while in scientific use, theory is an opinion.

• In casual use, theory is a hypothesis, while in scientific use, theory is a law.

What is a scientific theory fortified by?

• Facts and evidence

• Opinions and hunches

• Guesses and assumptions

• Laws and hypotheses

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

What is the main characteristic of a scientific law?

• It is a guess based on opinions

• It is a hypothesis supported by evidence

• It provides a scientific explanation

• It describes a natural phenomena

Which of the following is an example of a scientific law?

• Natural Selection

• Atomic theory

• Newton's second law of motion

• Cell theory

What do Mendel's laws describe?

• Phenomena happening with general relativity

• Phenomena happening with cell division

• Phenomena happening with atomic structure

• Phenomena happening with his pea plant experiments

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Why do scientific theories not graduate into scientific laws?

• Because theories are not supported by evidence

• Because they are completely different things

• Because laws are more powerful than theories

• Because laws are based on opinions

What is the main difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?

• A theory provides an explanation, while a law describes a natural phenomena

• A theory is based on opinions, while a law is based on facts

• A theory is a guess, while a law is a hypothesis

• A theory is supported by evidence, while a law is a fact

Why did the author wish science had a different word from 'theory'?

• Because the casual everyday use of that word is so different from the scientific use of that word

• Because the word 'theory' is too complicated for everyday use

• Because the word 'theory' is not used in science

• Because the word 'theory' is not important in science