Development of a Theory

An idea that is probably true, but has not yet been proven to be true; based on research and data.
Example: "Modern day humans and apes evolved from a common ancestor.

• Fact

• Theory

• Law

• Belief

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Which scientist gets credit for creating the theory of evolution?

• Isaac Newton

• Lamarck

• Charles Darwin

• Alfred Wallace

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Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

• A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world

• A random guess about how things work

• An untested hypothesis

• A mathematical formula

What is the primary difference between a scientific theory and a hypothesis?

• A theory is a guess, while a hypothesis is a proven fact

• A theory is well-tested and widely accepted, while a hypothesis is a proposed explanation

• A hypothesis is more complex than a theory

• A theory is always correct, while a hypothesis is often wrong

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

• The Theory of Relativity

• The Hypothesis of Continental Drift

• The Law of Gravity

• The Belief in Spontaneous Generation

How does a scientific theory differ from a scientific law?

• A theory explains why phenomena occur, while a law describes how they occur

• A law is a guess, while a theory is a proven fact

• A theory is a mathematical equation, while a law is a narrative

• A law is always correct, while a theory is often wrong

Which process is essential for the development of a scientific theory?

• Peer review and repeated testing

• Random guessing

• Ignoring contradictory evidence

• Relying solely on intuition

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What role do experiments play in the development of a scientific theory?

• They provide evidence to support or refute a hypothesis

• They are unnecessary for theory development

• They are used to prove a theory is correct

• They are only used in the initial stages of theory development

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Why is it important for a scientific theory to be falsifiable?

• It allows the theory to be tested and potentially disproven

• It ensures the theory is always correct

• It makes the theory more complex

• It prevents the theory from being challenged

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Which of the following statements is true about scientific theories?

• They can be modified or rejected based on new evidence

• They are unchangeable once established

• They are the same as scientific laws

• They are based on personal beliefs

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