The Nature of Science
Practice Test
1.
In order to discover the source of cholera in 1854, Dr. John Snow used __________ to solve the problem.
a.
a telephone
b.
computers
c.
unproven theories
d.
a model
Hint
2.
Improvements in communication technology have led to __________ of scientific information.
a.
internalization
b.
rationalization
c.
localization
d.
globalization
Hint
3.
__________ is the application of science to make tools that people can use.
a.
A trial
b.
Technology
c.
Safety
d.
Control
Hint
4.
__________ is a statement that can be tested.
a.
A model
b.
A hypothesis
c.
A control
d.
A bias
Hint
5.
Which of these is a concern for scientists using the Internet?
a.
language
b.
speed
c.
availability
d.
accuracy
Hint
6.
Which one of these is a symptom of cholera?
a.
runny nose
b.
below-normal body temperature
c.
dehydration
d.
blurred vision
Hint
7.
You want to test building materials for their durability in cold weather. You make a small house and conduct different tests on it. What is this an example of?
a.
a model
b.
a bacterium
c.
a data table
d.
an independent variable
Hint
8.
Which SI measurement unit would you use to measure the amount of water in an aquarium tank?
a.
a kilometer
b.
a liter
c.
a kilogram
d.
a millimeter
Hint
9.
Which of these is true?
a.
Data tables can be completed any time after an experiment is finished.
b.
Do not skip steps during the experiment process.
c.
Take as much time as you would like to complete any experiment.
d.
Safety issues do not need to be considered until you begin an experiment.
Hint
10.
To make sure experimental results are valid, which of these procedures must be followed?
a.
pick two hypotheses
b.
conduct multiple trials
c.
change the experimental process
d.
include bias
Hint
11.
__________ help organize the observations and results of your experiment.
a.
Goggles
b.
Independent variables
c.
Data tables
d.
Beakers
Hint
12.
What is the first step to take when solving a problem with scientific methods?
a.
draw conclusions
b.
analyze data
c.
recognize the problem
d.
identify the dependent variable
Hint
13.
Which of these is true?
a.
Your experiment is a failure if the data do not support your hypothesis.
b.
A successful experiment happens only when it gives the results you predicted.
c.
Most hypotheses are wrong.
d.
Sometimes experimental data do not support the hypothesis.
Hint
14.
__________ is a sample from an experiment that does not have the independent variable applied to it.
a.
A hypothesis
b.
A control
c.
A bias
d.
A trial
Hint
15.
Which one of these is a disease that happens when a person eats contaminated food?
a.
leukemia
b.
chicken pox
c.
polio
d.
E. coli
Hint
16.
Before you begin an experiment, you have an expectation of the results. Which of these is true?
a.
You have a bias about the experiment's outcome.
b.
Any results that are different from your expectation are wrong.
c.
You don't need to take measurement during the experiment.
d.
You don't need to run the experiment, because you already know the results.
Hint
17.
Which of these is true?
a.
It is best to change methods between trials in an experiment.
b.
Unusual outcomes never occur in an experiment.
c.
Only one trial of an experiment is ever necessary.
d.
Conducting more trials of an experiment provides more reliable results.
Hint
18.
Which of these is true?
a.
Only women make scientific discoveries.
b.
Europeans have not contributed to scientific discoveries.
c.
Advances in scientific knowledge have been made by people pursuing hobbies.
d.
Advances in medicine haven't happened since the 1700s.
Hint
19.
In an experiment, __________ is the part of the investigation that is changed.
a.
the first trial
b.
the independent variable
c.
the conclusion
d.
the control
Hint
20.
__________ uses your previous experiences to help you predict what will happen in experiments.
a.
An independent variable
b.
A data table
c.
Prior knowledge
d.
Accuracy
Hint
