Natural Science Exam One Hallett
List and explain the four steps of the scientific method - Answer -1. gathering data: observations-
observing nature without manipulating it. experiments- manipulate some aspect of nature and see what
happens.
2. identifying patterns: quantitative (numbers + units) measurements (vs. qualitative)
3. hypothesis: conjecture (based on observation, knowledge, experience. about what will happen (have
to test it) fact- a statement of something that happens in nature. theory- a scientific idea that is
supported by evidence (many observations + experiments) widely accepted by scientists
4. predictions / testing: every idea must be tested. predict how a system will behave then test /
experiment to see if it will behave as predicted. tests do not necessarily need to prove / disprove an
idea. they define the range of situations under which the idea is valid.
property of falsifiability applied to scientific method - Answer -in principle every scientific statement
could be proven false.
describe how one can tell science from pseudoscience - Answer -1. as presented are the facts true
2. is there an alternative explanation
3. has the claim been rigorously tested
4. can the claim be falsified
5. does the claim require that well-established facts be set aside
List and explain the four steps of the scientific method - Answer -1. gathering data: observations-
observing nature without manipulating it. experiments- manipulate some aspect of nature and see what
happens.
2. identifying patterns: quantitative (numbers + units) measurements (vs. qualitative)
3. hypothesis: conjecture (based on observation, knowledge, experience. about what will happen (have
to test it) fact- a statement of something that happens in nature. theory- a scientific idea that is
supported by evidence (many observations + experiments) widely accepted by scientists
4. predictions / testing: every idea must be tested. predict how a system will behave then test /
experiment to see if it will behave as predicted. tests do not necessarily need to prove / disprove an
idea. they define the range of situations under which the idea is valid.
property of falsifiability applied to scientific method - Answer -in principle every scientific statement
could be proven false.
describe how one can tell science from pseudoscience - Answer -1. as presented are the facts true
2. is there an alternative explanation
3. has the claim been rigorously tested
4. can the claim be falsified
5. does the claim require that well-established facts be set aside
