Lecture 1.1 Scientific Investigation

Which of the following is a primary aim of the natural sciences?

• To use data, quantitative or qualitative, to determine how the natural world works.

• To use reasoning based on intuition to establish general principles about the natural world

• Only answer questions about specific systems, without establishing broader principles.

• To make decisions about experimental data using subjective measures.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

How do natural sciences typically support their conclusions?

• By using objective measures and reasoning.

• By guessing based on previous beliefs.

• By following popular opinions.

• By ignoring evidence.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

What is one way natural sciences apply their findings?

• By applying broad principles to specific systems and phenomena.

• By keeping findings secret.

• By only studying one specific event.

• By avoiding the use of principles.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

NGSS.HS-ETS1-1

Which process is involved in establishing general principles in natural sciences?

• Collecting scientific data that can be applied broadly.

• Making random assumptions.

• Collect data only, don't try to make a conclusion unless you are an expert.

• Focusing only on quantitative data and ignore qualitative data.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-PS2-5

A scientist collects data, analyzes it using statistics, and then applies the findings to a new phenomenon. Which steps of the natural sciences' aims does this process illustrate?

• Using data, analyzing data, and applying broad principles.

• Using assumptions to correct data that is wrong.

• Only collecting data without analysis.

• Focusing on one phenomenon without generalization.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-3

Which of the following is an example of an observation?

• The rain gauge says we got 1.78 cm of rain last night.

• It will probably rain tomorrow.

• Rain is caused by clouds.

• Rain is important for plants.

Why are observations important in the scientific process?

• They play a role in many parts of the scientific process, including the first step and data collection.

• They are only used to write scientific reports.

• They are only important for making predictions.

• They are not necessary if your hypothesis is correct.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-6

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

Which statement best describes the difference between observation and inference?

• Observation involves acquiring information using senses or instruments, while inference involves drawing conclusions based on observations.

• Observation is always correct, while inference is always incorrect.

• Observation is used only in experiments, while inference is used only in theory.

• Observation is based on reasoning, while inference is an objective measurement.

Which of the following best defines a prediction in scientific research?

• The question that drives the experiment

• The process of collecting data

• The expected result from your experiment if your hypothesis is true

• The method used to analyze data

A student is designing an experiment and has formulated a hypothesis. What should the student do next to ensure their experiment is scientifically valid?

• Ignore statistical analysis

• Make a prediction based on the hypothesis

• Only collect data that supports the hypothesis

• Skip the experimental design step

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4