Scribd
Upload
14 views3 pages

Understanding the Scientific Method

The document outlines the scientific method as a systematic approach to answering questions, forming hypotheses, and developing theories based on observations. It distinguishes between predictions, hypotheses, and theories, emphasizing that while they can be tested, they cannot be definitively proven correct. Additionally, it includes practice questions to reinforce understanding of the scientific method and basic biological theories.

Uploaded by

denitzcoach
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
14 views3 pages

Understanding the Scientific Method

The document outlines the scientific method as a systematic approach to answering questions, forming hypotheses, and developing theories based on observations. It distinguishes between predictions, hypotheses, and theories, emphasizing that while they can be tested, they cannot be definitively proven correct. Additionally, it includes practice questions to reinforce understanding of the scientific method and basic biological theories.

Uploaded by

denitzcoach
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Scientific Method

Scientific Method

CONCEPT: SCIENTIFIC METHOD


●Question: How can you trust the information that you learn from your textbook?
□ You can trust it because the info in your textbook has been subject to the __________________ method.
●Scientific Method: a procedure used to _____________ questions, _________ ideas, & _________ scientific knowledge.
□ Scientific method starts with an ______________________ & a ____________________.

Predictions, Hypotheses, & Theories


●_____________________: an expected outcome of an event that can either be correct or incorrect.
□ Predictions only address the answer to “____________ will happen?”
●_____________________: a proposed & testable explanation for an observation.
□ Hypotheses address the answers to “what will happen?” & “__________ it will happen?”
□ Therefore, a good hypothesis ________________ a prediction.
●_______________: a testable & __________ hypothesis of many observations, supported by a large body of evidence.

□ Technically, hypotheses & theories can never be proven correct, but they can be falsified (proven incorrect).

Page 1
Scientific Method

CONCEPT: SCIENTIFIC METHOD


EXAMPLE: A scientist observed a new phenomenon and wonders how it happens. What is the next step in their study?
a) Observe. b) Experiment. c) Design experiment. d) Peer review. e) Hypothesize.

PRACTICE: Which of the following shows the best order of steps of the scientific method?
a) Observation → Data Analysis → Hypothesis → Conclusion → Peer Review & Publish → Experiment.
b) Observation → Hypothesis → Experiment → Peer Review & Publish → Analysis → Conclusion.
c) Observation → Hypothesis → Experiment → Data Analysis → Conclusion → Peer Review & Publish.
d) Experiment → Hypothesis → Observation → Data Analysis → Conclusion → Peer Review & Publish.

PRACTICE: A scientist observes that even after sterilizing a broth, cells reappear in the broth over time. The scientist then
asks: “Why do cells reappear in the broth after sterilization?” and designs/conducts an experiment. Considering this,
appropriately label each of the following blanks as either a “prediction, hypothesis or theory.”

________________: Cells will only appear in the broth exposed to a source of preexisting cells.
________________: Cells appear only when preexisting cells grow & divide; therefore, cells only appear in exposed broths.
________________: All organisms consist of cells & all cells come from preexisting cells.

Basic Theories of Biology


●There are _______ basic theories of biology:

PRACTICE: Which of the following statements about the cell theory is false?
a) All living organisms are made of cells. b) All cells arise spontaneously.
c) Cells are the basic structural & functional unit of life. d) All cells arise from preexisting cells.

Page 2

You might also like