NATURAL SCIENCES TOK EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
Qualitative data - ANSWER-Anything that gives us subjective information that may
involve values and opinions about something
Quantitative data - ANSWER-Anything that gives us objective, value free information
about something
Rationalist - ANSWER-Someone who sees reason as the main source of knowledge
Refutation - ANSWER-The speech act of answering an attack on your assertions
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 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 a
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
Controlablility - ANSWER-A controlled experiment is one in which an 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/ ojectivity
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)
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
Qualitative data - ANSWER-Anything that gives us subjective information that may
involve values and opinions about something
Quantitative data - ANSWER-Anything that gives us objective, value free information
about something
Rationalist - ANSWER-Someone who sees reason as the main source of knowledge
Refutation - ANSWER-The speech act of answering an attack on your assertions
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 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 a
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
Controlablility - ANSWER-A controlled experiment is one in which an 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/ ojectivity
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)
