Science Literacy Flashcards

What does 'peer review' mean in scientific publishing?

Answer: Other experts in the field evaluate the research for accuracy and validity

Peer review is a process where other qualified scientists evaluate a study's methods, data, and conclusions before it is published.

A student claims that students who eat breakfast score higher on tests. To test this with an experiment, the independent variable would be:

Answer: Whether students eat breakfast or not

The independent variable is the factor the experimenter deliberately changes or controls; in this case, whether breakfast is eaten.

If an experiment yields unexpected results that contradict the hypothesis, the scientist should:

Answer: Analyze the results and consider revising the hypothesis or experimental design

Unexpected results are valuable; scientists analyze them critically and may revise their hypothesis or improve their experimental design.

Which unit of measurement is part of the International System of Units (SI) used in science?

Answer: Meters

The meter is the SI unit of length; science primarily uses SI units for consistency and international communication.

A scientist finds a correlation between ice cream sales and drowning rates. What is the most reasonable conclusion?

Answer: A third factor (hot weather) likely explains both increases

Correlation does not imply causation; both ice cream sales and drowning rates increase in hot weather, making temperature the confounding variable.

What is the function of a scientific model?

Answer: To simplify and represent complex systems or phenomena for understanding

Scientific models simplify complex natural systems, allowing scientists and students to understand, test, and communicate ideas about them.

Which of the following best demonstrates science literacy in everyday life?

Answer: Evaluating the evidence behind a news story about a new medical treatment

Science literacy involves critically evaluating evidence and applying scientific thinking to real-world information, including health claims in the news.