| Coverage : The Scientific Method Quiz tests your knowledge about experiments in biology. |
| 1. | Scientifically-testable statements that can be supported or disproved are called: |
| a. | | Hypotheses |
| b. | | Theories |
| c. | | Predictions |
| d. | | Tests |
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| 2. | Experiments often include controls because: |
| a. | | An investigator needs to be certain he or she is testing only the hypothesis |
| b. | | Every experiment has many factors that can change throughout an experiment |
| c. | | An investigator needs to protect his or her work from sabotage |
| d. | | Experiments are often dangerous |
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| 3. | The scientific methods usually follows which order? |
| a. | | Hypothesis, experimental question, experimentation, data analysis, conclusions |
| b. | | Hypothesis, experimental question, experimentation, data analysis, conclusions |
| c. | | Experimental question, experimentation, hypothesis, data analysis, conclusions |
| d. | | Experimental question, hypothesis, experimentation, data analysis, conclusions |
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| 4. | Why are statistical tests important tools in data analysis? |
| a. | | They allow the investigators to prove hypotheses |
| b. | | They allow investigators to reject hypotheses |
| c. | | They are the only way to interpret data |
| d. | | They give us an idea of how significant the investigator's conclusions are |
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| 5. | If an experiment does not turn out as the investigator expected he or she should: |
| a. | | Try to fit the data to the expected outcome |
| b. | | Repeat the experiment immediately |
| c. | | Figure out what could have gone wrong, and adjust and repeat the experiment |
| d. | | Immediately change the experiment |
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| 6. | Which of the following can lead to experimental questions? |
| a. | | Previous publications in the field |
| b. | | Anecdotal stories |
| c. | | Field observations |
| d. | | Failed experiments |
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| 7. | If experiments do not support the hypothesis it means that the hypothesis is always rejected or wrong. |
| a. | | True |
| b. | | False |
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| 8. | Why is it important to objectively report experimental results? |
| a. | | To avoid bias in interpretation |
| b. | | Published results can be used as legal documents |
| c. | | Because someone else will eventually prove them wrong anyway |
| d. | | Other scientists use reported results to design their own research |
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| 9. | A theory can be considered an absolute truth and should not be modified. |
| a. | | True |
| b. | | False |
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| 10. | How is a theory different from a hypothesis? |
| a. | | It is more specific |
| b. | | It is broader in scope and breadth of application |
| c. | | It is untestable |
| d. | | It can't be modified |
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| 11. | Testing a hypothesis often includes which of the following? |
| a. | | Statistical tests |
| b. | | Observations |
| c. | | Developing models |
| d. | | performing experiments |
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| 12. | "Clear-cutting trees from a watershed will result in drier soils." is an example of a: |
| a. | | Experimental question |
| b. | | Theory |
| c. | | Hypothesis |
| d. | | Conclusion |
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