Critical Thinking and the Scientific Method

A testable explanation or prediction is called a ____.

• hypothesis
• conclusion
• rumor
• variable

What is the repeating of tests by other researchers called?

• observation
• opinion
• replication
• bias

Which variable does the scientist change on purpose?

• constant
• dependent
• independent
• controlled

Which variable does the scientist measure for an effect?

• hypothesis
• controlled
• independent
• dependent

A scientific hypothesis must be falsifiable.

• True
• False

Information gathered through observation or measurement is ____.

• an opinion
• evidence
• a rumor
• a feeling

Weak evidence, like a single story, is enough to prove a general claim.

• True
• False

What usually begins the scientific method?

• analyzing data
• a conclusion
• an observation
• sharing results

____ is examining ideas carefully before accepting them.

• Advertising
• Rumor
• Critical thinking
• Guessing

Science never changes its ideas even with new evidence.

• True
• False

Which are kept the same for every test?

• hypotheses
• dependent variable
• controlled variables
• independent variable

A useful hypothesis is often written as an 'if-then' statement.

• True
• False

Being able to use scientific thinking in daily life is ____.

• replication
• bias
• science literacy
• evidence

What does 'falsifiable' mean for a hypothesis?

• Can be proven wrong
• Never tested
• Just a guess
• Always true

Critical thinking helps avoid being fooled by ads, rumors, and false ____.

• information
• variables
• evidence
• hypotheses