1.6- Scientific Reasoning Quiz (Independent Work)

What is the primary purpose of developing a hypothesis in scientific reasoning?

• To guess the outcome of an experiment

• To develop an explanation that agrees with all available evidence

• To prove a theory without evidence

• To avoid performing experiments

Answer explanation

To develop an explanation that agrees with all available evidence

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is the study of reasoning called?

• Hypothesis

• Inference

• Logic

• Evidence

Answer explanation

The study of reasoning is called Logic, which involves the principles and methods used to distinguish correct reasoning from incorrect reasoning.

What distinguishes scientific reasoning from other types of reasoning?

• It uses empirical evidence from observations of nature

• It relies on personal opinions

• It avoids using any evidence

• It is based on historical events

Answer explanation

Scientific reasoning distinguishes itself by using empirical evidence from observations of nature, unlike other types of reasoning that may rely on personal opinions, avoid using evidence, or be based on historical events.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

What is an inference in the context of scientific reasoning?

• A random guess

• A conclusion based on reasoning from evidence

• A hypothesis without evidence

• A theory that cannot be tested

Answer explanation

An inference in the context of scientific reasoning is a conclusion based on reasoning from evidence, not a random guess, hypothesis without evidence, or a theory that cannot be tested.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What are the two main branches of logic mentioned in the text?

• Empirical and theoretical reasoning

• Deductive and inductive reasoning

• Hypothetical and practical reasoning

• Logical and illogical reasoning

Answer explanation

The two main branches of logic mentioned in the text are deductive and inductive reasoning.

What does deductive reasoning involve?

• Using specific evidence to make a general inference

• Using general evidence to make a specific inference

• Making conclusions without any evidence

• Avoiding logical steps

Answer explanation

Deductive reasoning involves using general evidence to make a specific inference, which is the process of drawing a conclusion based on known premises or general principles.

What is an example of deductive reasoning in science?

• All fish have gills. Whales and dolphins do not have gills. Therefore, whales and dolphins are not fish.

• Plants need water to survive. Therefore, all plants are green.

• Birds can fly. Penguins are birds. Therefore, penguins can fly.

• All mammals have fur. Whales are mammals. Therefore, whales have fur.

Answer explanation

The example of deductive reasoning in science is: All fish have gills. Whales and dolphins do not have gills. Therefore, whales and dolphins are not fish.

What is the ultimate purpose of inductive reasoning?

• To determine cause and effect

• To classify organisms

• To test hypotheses directly

• To make predictions based on hypotheses

Answer explanation

The ultimate purpose of inductive reasoning is to determine cause and effect, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

What does the method of difference involve?

• Comparing two situations that are the same except for one factor

• Testing hypotheses directly

• Using specific evidence to reach a general conclusion

• Making predictions based on hypotheses

Answer explanation

Comparing two situations that are the same except for one factor is what the method of difference involves.

What can be inferred if the ground is dry?

• It is not raining

• It is raining

• The ground is wet

• The ground is muddy

Answer explanation

If the ground is dry, it can be inferred that it is not raining, as rain would make the ground wet or muddy.