GEOL 1121L Lab 1: Scientific Method and Earth Systems Exam
Questions and Answers 100% PASS-GSU
1. Which of the following best describes a scientific hypothesis?
A. A proven fact that cannot be challenged
B. A random guess based on no evidence
C. A general summary of how nature behaves
D. A tentative, testable explanation for an observation
Answer: D
Rationale: A hypothesis is a proposed explanation that can be tested through
experimentation or further observation.
2. What is the primary difference between a scientific theory and a scientific
law?
A. Laws are proven while theories are just guesses
B. There is no difference; they are used interchangeably
C. Theories are older than laws
D. Theories explain ‘why’ a phenomenon occurs, while laws describe ‘what’ happens
Answer: D
Rationale: Theories provide the mechanism or explanation for why things happen; laws
describe the patterns or relationships in nature.
,3. In an experiment, the factor that is intentionally changed by the scientist is
the:
A. Dependent variable
B. Independent variable
C. Control group
D. Constant
Answer: B
Rationale: The independent variable is the one being manipulated to observe its effects.
4. Which step typically comes first in the scientific method?
A. Drawing a conclusion
B. Conducting an experiment
C. Formulating a theory
D. Making an observation
Answer: D
Rationale: The process usually begins with observing a natural phenomenon which leads
to a question.
5. An inference is different from an observation because an inference:
A. Is made using the five senses
B. Cannot be proven wrong
C. Is a logical interpretation based on prior knowledge
D. Is a measurement of physical dimensions
Answer: C
Rationale: Observations are data points gathered via senses; inferences are
interpretations of those data points.
, 6. Which of the following is an example of quantitative data?
A. The specimen has a mass of 45.2 grams
B. The rock feels rough
C. The mineral is blue
D. The crystal smells like sulfur
Answer: A
Rationale: Quantitative data involves numbers and measurements.
7. If a hypothesis is tested and the data does not support it, what should a
scientist do?
A. Change the data to match the hypothesis
B. Ignore the results and publish anyway
C. Stop the investigation entirely
D. Reject or revise the hypothesis and retest
Answer: D
Rationale: Negative results are valuable as they lead to the refinement of scientific ideas.
8. Density is defined as:
A. Mass times volume
B. Volume divided by mass
C. Mass divided by volume
D. Weight plus volume
Answer: C
Rationale: Density is the ratio of mass to volume (D=m/v).
Questions and Answers 100% PASS-GSU
1. Which of the following best describes a scientific hypothesis?
A. A proven fact that cannot be challenged
B. A random guess based on no evidence
C. A general summary of how nature behaves
D. A tentative, testable explanation for an observation
Answer: D
Rationale: A hypothesis is a proposed explanation that can be tested through
experimentation or further observation.
2. What is the primary difference between a scientific theory and a scientific
law?
A. Laws are proven while theories are just guesses
B. There is no difference; they are used interchangeably
C. Theories are older than laws
D. Theories explain ‘why’ a phenomenon occurs, while laws describe ‘what’ happens
Answer: D
Rationale: Theories provide the mechanism or explanation for why things happen; laws
describe the patterns or relationships in nature.
,3. In an experiment, the factor that is intentionally changed by the scientist is
the:
A. Dependent variable
B. Independent variable
C. Control group
D. Constant
Answer: B
Rationale: The independent variable is the one being manipulated to observe its effects.
4. Which step typically comes first in the scientific method?
A. Drawing a conclusion
B. Conducting an experiment
C. Formulating a theory
D. Making an observation
Answer: D
Rationale: The process usually begins with observing a natural phenomenon which leads
to a question.
5. An inference is different from an observation because an inference:
A. Is made using the five senses
B. Cannot be proven wrong
C. Is a logical interpretation based on prior knowledge
D. Is a measurement of physical dimensions
Answer: C
Rationale: Observations are data points gathered via senses; inferences are
interpretations of those data points.
, 6. Which of the following is an example of quantitative data?
A. The specimen has a mass of 45.2 grams
B. The rock feels rough
C. The mineral is blue
D. The crystal smells like sulfur
Answer: A
Rationale: Quantitative data involves numbers and measurements.
7. If a hypothesis is tested and the data does not support it, what should a
scientist do?
A. Change the data to match the hypothesis
B. Ignore the results and publish anyway
C. Stop the investigation entirely
D. Reject or revise the hypothesis and retest
Answer: D
Rationale: Negative results are valuable as they lead to the refinement of scientific ideas.
8. Density is defined as:
A. Mass times volume
B. Volume divided by mass
C. Mass divided by volume
D. Weight plus volume
Answer: C
Rationale: Density is the ratio of mass to volume (D=m/v).
