Exploring Testable Questions in Scientific Inquiry

The video explores the nature of scientific inquiry, emphasizing the importance of testable questions. It uses the SMART acronym to guide the formulation of these questions, ensuring they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and temporal. Through a case study of marine microbiologists Kim and Kay, the video illustrates how light affects host-virus interactions in the ocean. The process of refining a broad curiosity into a precise, testable question is demonstrated, highlighting the practical constraints and considerations scientists face.

What is the common trait among all scientists?

• They work in the same environment.

• They use the same tools.

• They ask questions.

• They study the same topics.

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What was the initial broad question Kim and Kay asked during their expedition?

• How do viruses grow in the dark?

• How does light affect host-virus interactions?

• How do phytoplankton produce food?

• How does light affect the ocean?

Why is the question 'How does light affect host-virus interactions?' not considered testable?

• It is not relevant.

• It cannot be measured.

• It has too many possible answers.

• It is too specific.

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What does the 'S' in the SMART acronym stand for?

• Structured

• Scientific

• Specific

• Simple

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Which of the following is a measurable aspect in Kim and Kay's research?

• The size of the ocean

• The type of virus

• The amount of light organisms receive

• The color of the light

What equipment is necessary to measure the effect of light on the viral process of infection?

• Thermometer

• Microscope

• Spectrometer

• Flow cytometer

Why is it important for a testable question to be achievable?

• To ensure it is unique

• To make it complex

• To make it interesting

• To ensure it can be answered within the available time and resources

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What does the 'R' in the SMART acronym stand for?

• Reliable

• Relevant

• Repeatable

• Reasonable

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Why must a testable question have a time component?

• To make it easier to understand

• To ensure the experiment has a defined duration

• To ensure it is unique

• To make it more complex

What is the final testable question formulated by Kim and Kay's team?

• Does light affect the ocean?

• Does light affect the growth of phytoplankton?

• Does light at different wavelengths and intensities affect the virus?

• Does light at the wavelengths present in the ocean and intensities that don’t affect the host affect the virus in the first 24 to 48 hours of infection?