TOK NATURAL SCIENCES KEY TERMS
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
Scientific method - ANSWER-The scientific method is what defines an investigation as
truly scientific more than the subject matter of the investigation. It involves several strict
stages, all of which must be followed to arrive at a demonstrable conclusion
Observation - ANSWER-Selectivity or relevance/ expectations which can influence what
we see / the correct use of scientific equipment/ the act of observing can sometimes
affect the observation
Naturalist observation - ANSWER-In the human and natural sciences, naturalist
observation relies on the investigator remaining removed from the subject matter, so as
not to influence it in any way
Hypothesis - ANSWER-A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of
limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation; a proposition made as basis
for reasoning, without any assumption of its truth
Experiment - ANSWER-A test under controlled conditions made to demonstrate a
known truth, to examine the validity of a hypothesis, or to determine the efficacy of
something previously untried.
Controllability - ANSWER-A controlled experiment is one in which a experimental group
is compared to a control group that varies only in the factor being tested
Measurability - ANSWER-Measure relevant variables to add precision and objectivity.
Repeatability - ANSWER-Able to be repeated by others to confirm results/ objectivity
Paradigm shifts - ANSWER-A term coined by Thomas Kuhn, who said that instead of
our scientific knowledge progressing in a linear, passive fashion, new ideas occur
violently, and completely revolutionize (or shift) our view of the world (our paradigm)
Theory - ANSWER-An explication or model based on observation, experimentation, and
reasoning, especially one that has been teated and confirmed as a general principle
helping to explain and predict natural phenomena
Law - ANSWER-A statement that describes an invariable relationship among
phenomena under a specified set of conditions. Since laws are based on a limited
number of observations, absolute certainty can never be achieved
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
Scientific method - ANSWER-The scientific method is what defines an investigation as
truly scientific more than the subject matter of the investigation. It involves several strict
stages, all of which must be followed to arrive at a demonstrable conclusion
Observation - ANSWER-Selectivity or relevance/ expectations which can influence what
we see / the correct use of scientific equipment/ the act of observing can sometimes
affect the observation
Naturalist observation - ANSWER-In the human and natural sciences, naturalist
observation relies on the investigator remaining removed from the subject matter, so as
not to influence it in any way
Hypothesis - ANSWER-A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of
limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation; a proposition made as basis
for reasoning, without any assumption of its truth
Experiment - ANSWER-A test under controlled conditions made to demonstrate a
known truth, to examine the validity of a hypothesis, or to determine the efficacy of
something previously untried.
Controllability - ANSWER-A controlled experiment is one in which a experimental group
is compared to a control group that varies only in the factor being tested
Measurability - ANSWER-Measure relevant variables to add precision and objectivity.
Repeatability - ANSWER-Able to be repeated by others to confirm results/ objectivity
Paradigm shifts - ANSWER-A term coined by Thomas Kuhn, who said that instead of
our scientific knowledge progressing in a linear, passive fashion, new ideas occur
violently, and completely revolutionize (or shift) our view of the world (our paradigm)
Theory - ANSWER-An explication or model based on observation, experimentation, and
reasoning, especially one that has been teated and confirmed as a general principle
helping to explain and predict natural phenomena
Law - ANSWER-A statement that describes an invariable relationship among
phenomena under a specified set of conditions. Since laws are based on a limited
number of observations, absolute certainty can never be achieved
