Unit 5 of 5
Study guide for CLEP CLEP Natural Sciences — Unit 5: Scientific Method & History. Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.
45
Practice Questions
25
Flashcards
4
Key Topics
Try these 5 questions from this unit. Sign up for full access to all 45.
What is the purpose of peer review in the scientific process?
To criticize the researcher's methods
To provide an alternative hypothesis
To ensure the quality and validity of the research
To speed up the publication process
To increase the research funding
Answer: C — To ensure the quality and validity of the research is correct because peer review evaluates research quality, not speeds up publication.
A scientist repeats an experiment and obtains different results. What should they do next?
Accept the new results as true
Reject the new results as false
Identify and address potential sources of error
Change the research question
Stop the experiment
Answer: C — Identify and address potential sources of error is correct because identifying error sources is crucial, while A is wrong as new results may not be accurate without verification.
Which of the following is a characteristic of the scientific method?
It is a linear process
It is a cyclical process
It is a creative process
It is a solitary process
It is a dogmatic process
Answer: B — It is a cyclical process is correct because the scientific method is a cyclical process of observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion, while A is incorrect as it is not always linear.
What is the purpose of a scientific theory?
To explain a single phenomenon
To predict future events
To provide a framework for understanding
To prove a hypothesis
To disprove a law
Answer: C — To provide a framework for understanding is correct because theories provide a broad framework, while A is incorrect as it's too narrow.
What is the primary function of a control group in an experiment?
To test the independent variable
To measure the dependent variable
To provide a comparison for the experimental group
To increase sample size
To reduce experimental error
Answer: C — To provide a comparison for the experimental group is correct because the control group serves as a baseline for comparison, while A is incorrect as the control group does not receive the independent variable.
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