Scientific Practices and Experimental Design

The video tutorial covers the topic of science and the scientific method. It begins by distinguishing science from pseudoscience, emphasizing the importance of objectivity and the natural world. The scientific method is explained as a series of steps to collect information and solve problems, highlighting its self-correcting nature. An example experiment is provided, illustrating the use of control and experimental groups, independent and dependent variables. The video includes practice scenarios to reinforce understanding and concludes with a quiz to test knowledge.

Which of the following is NOT considered a scientific practice?

• DNA experimentation

• Robotic observations

• Microscopy

• Astrology

What is a key characteristic of science that helps correct human biases?

• It is subjective

• It relies on fortune-telling

• It is self-correcting

• It is based on opinions

What was the main discovery from Frederick Griffith's experiment?

• Voyager probes measure solar winds

• Astrology predicts future events

• The Earth is flat

• Bacteria can transfer genetic information

What is the first step in the scientific method?

• Analyzing data

• Conducting an experiment

• Drawing a conclusion

• Identifying a problem or observation

In an experiment, what is the term for the factor that is changed or tested?

• Dependent variable

• Control group

• Independent variable

• Hypothesis

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

• To receive special treatment

• To serve as a comparison

• To ensure bias

• To test multiple variables

Why is it important to have only one independent variable in an experiment?

• To ensure multiple conclusions

• To simplify data collection

• To increase the number of hypotheses

• To isolate the effect of the variable

What is the dependent variable in the sleep experiment discussed?

• The meals consumed

• The exercise routine

• The amount of sleep recorded

• The type of music played

In the military sleep study scenario, what is the independent variable?

• The amount of sleep

• The firing range location

• The type of exercise

• The soldiers' diet

What is a scientific theory?

• An untested hypothesis

• A belief system

• A well-substantiated explanation tested over time

• A guess based on limited information