AZSCI Argument from Evidence

Question 1

A student claims, 'My plant grew taller because I played music for it.' Which piece of evidence would be needed to properly support this claim?

Accepted Answer

Data showing the plant that heard music grew taller than an identical plant that did not hear music, with all other conditions being the same.

Answer

A personal opinion that plants enjoy music.

Answer

A photo of the tall plant next to a music player.

Answer

An article from a magazine about talking to plants.

Question 2

A company advertises a new sports drink by saying, 'Famous athletes drink our product, so it must be the best for hydration.' What is the primary flaw in this argument?

Accepted Answer

The argument uses an endorsement instead of scientific evidence about hydration.

Answer

The argument provides too much scientific data about electrolytes.

Answer

The argument is flawed because famous athletes are not trustworthy.

Answer

The argument assumes all sports drinks taste the same.

Question 3

Two students are debating why a puddle of water disappeared from the sidewalk on a sunny day. Student 1 says: 'The sun's heat caused the water to evaporate.' Student 2 says: 'The concrete absorbed all the water.' What evidence would best support Student 1's argument?

Accepted Answer

Placing a clear bowl over a similar puddle and observing water droplets forming on the inside of the bowl.

Answer

Observing that the sidewalk is completely dry and not dark with moisture.

Answer

Measuring the temperature of the sidewalk and finding it is warm.

Answer

Pouring more water on the sidewalk to see if it also disappears.

Question 4

A scientist presents data from an experiment showing that a new medication lowered cholesterol in 75% of participants. Which of the following is a valid claim based on this evidence?

Accepted Answer

The medication was effective for a majority of the participants in the study.

Answer

The medication is a guaranteed cure for high cholesterol for everyone.

Answer

The medication is completely safe and has no side effects.

Answer

The medication is less effective than other available treatments.

Question 5

A student argues that heavier objects fall faster than lighter objects. They support this by dropping a bowling ball and a feather, observing that the bowling ball hits the ground first. Why is this a weak argument?

Accepted Answer

The argument ignores the significant effect of air resistance on the feather.

Answer

The bowling ball is round, while the feather is flat.

Answer

The experiment was not repeated enough times.

Answer

The student should have used a stopwatch to time the fall.

Question 6

Which statement is an example of scientific evidence, not an opinion?

Accepted Answer

Global average temperatures have increased by 1.1°C since the late 19th century.

Answer

The climate is changing, and it's a very serious problem for the future.

Answer

I think renewable energy sources like solar power are the best solution.

Answer

Everyone should work harder to protect the environment.

Question 7

A group of students investigates which type of soil retains the most water. Their data shows that the least amount of water drained from the funnel containing clay. What is the strongest argument they can make based on this evidence?

Accepted Answer

In our experiment, clay retained more water than sand or loam.

Answer

Clay is the best type of soil for all plants.

Answer

Sand is a bad type of soil because it didn't hold water.

Answer

Our experiment proves that clay is made of smaller particles.