CLT Science Reasoning 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the scientific method?
- A systematic process of observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion (Correct answer)
- A list of scientific facts
- A mathematical formula
- A type of laboratory equipment
Correct answer: A systematic process of observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion
The scientific method provides a structured approach: observe a phenomenon, form a hypothesis, design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and draw conclusions.
Question 2: What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
- A hypothesis is a testable prediction; a theory is a well-supported explanation of natural phenomena (Correct answer)
- They are the same thing
- A theory is just a guess
- A hypothesis is always proven correct
Correct answer: A hypothesis is a testable prediction; a theory is a well-supported explanation of natural phenomena
A hypothesis is an initial testable prediction, while a theory is a comprehensive explanation supported by extensive evidence from multiple experiments and observations.
Question 3: What is a controlled experiment?
- An experiment where one variable is changed while all others are kept constant (Correct answer)
- An experiment with no variables
- An experiment done in a factory
- An experiment with unpredictable results
Correct answer: An experiment where one variable is changed while all others are kept constant
Controlled experiments isolate one variable (independent) while keeping all others constant (controlled), allowing researchers to determine cause and effect.
Question 4: What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?
- Qualitative describes qualities; quantitative involves numerical measurements (Correct answer)
- They are the same
- Qualitative is more scientific
- Quantitative is always subjective
Correct answer: Qualitative describes qualities; quantitative involves numerical measurements
Qualitative data describes characteristics (color, texture, smell) while quantitative data involves numerical measurements (temperature, mass, length).
Question 5: What is correlation vs. causation in science?
- Correlation shows a relationship between variables; causation proves one directly causes the other (Correct answer)
- They mean the same thing
- Correlation is stronger evidence
- Causation does not require experiments
Correct answer: Correlation shows a relationship between variables; causation proves one directly causes the other
Correlation indicates variables change together, but causation requires evidence that one variable directly produces a change in the other.
Question 6: What is peer review in science?
- The process where other scientists evaluate research before publication (Correct answer)
- A student grading system
- A type of experiment
- A government review process
Correct answer: The process where other scientists evaluate research before publication
Peer review involves experts in the field evaluating research methodology, data, and conclusions to ensure quality and validity before publication.
CLT Science Reasoning 1
What is the scientific method?