Praxis General Science CK (5435) Domain 1: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History Welcome to your Praxis General Science CK (5435) Domain 1: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History 1. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History In a scientific experiment, what is the purpose of a control group? A. To provide a standard of comparison for the experimental group B. To receive the variable being tested C. To measure the effect of an independent variable D. To confirm the hypothesis None 2. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History Which of the following best describes the principle of Occam's Razor in scientific theory? A. The simplest explanation is usually the correct one. B. All scientific theories must be experimentally verified. C. Observations should be repeatable to be considered valid. D. Theories must be refutable to be scientifically valid. None 3. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History In the context of a scientific study, what does the term "validity" refer to? A. The consistency of the results over repeated trials B. The degree to which the results support the hypothesis C. The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure D. The level of agreement among different researchers None 4. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History The term "paradigm shift" in the context of scientific discovery is best described as: A. A change in the general set of beliefs and understanding within a scientific community B. A minor modification to an existing scientific theory C. An incremental advancement in technology D. A new method of data analysis None 5. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History What is the significance of the peer review process in scientific research? A. To ensure that the research is original B. To confirm that the experimental methods are ethical C. To evaluate the research for accuracy and validity D. To determine the potential impact of the research on society None 6. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History Which term best describes a hypothesis that has been repeatedly tested and confirmed over time? A. Theory B. Law C. Postulate D. Assumption None 7. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History What is the primary purpose of a double-blind experiment? A. To ensure that neither the subjects nor the experimenters know who is receiving a particular treatment B. To conduct two separate experiments simultaneously C. To verify results by repeating the experiment D. To eliminate bias in the interpretation of results None 8. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History In scientific research, what is the role of a hypothesis? A. To provide a conclusive answer to a research question B. To serve as an educated guess that guides the research process C. To analyze data collected during the experiment D. To refute or support a scientific theory None 9. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History The scientific method is important in research because it: A. Allows for subjective interpretation of data B. Provides a structured approach to discovering new information C. Focuses on proving a preconceived theory D. Eliminates the need for experimental testing None 10. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History The term "falsifiability" in the context of scientific hypotheses refers to: A. The ability to be disproven or tested through empirical evidence B. The likelihood that a hypothesis is true C. The capability to be proven true with certainty D. The relevance of the hypothesis to current scientific knowledge None 11. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History What does the term "empirical evidence" refer to in scientific research? A. Evidence based on personal beliefs or opinions B. Evidence gathered through observation and experimentation C. Theoretical or hypothetical evidence D. Evidence derived from logical reasoning or mathematics None 12. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History In the history of science, the transition from a geocentric to a heliocentric model of the solar system is an example of: A. A paradigm shift B. Incremental scientific progress C. The application of the scientific method D. A refutation of empirical evidence None 13. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History In the context of scientific experimentation, what is the function of a dependent variable? A. It is the variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher. B. It is the variable that remains constant throughout the experiment. C. It is the variable that is measured or observed in response to changes in another variable. D. It is an external factor that can affect the outcome of the experiment. None 14. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History Which principle states that in the absence of contrary evidence, one should avoid making unnecessary assumptions? A. Falsifiability B. Occam's Razor C. Empiricism D. Scientific skepticism None 15. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History What is the primary purpose of a longitudinal study in scientific research? A. To determine cause-and-effect relationships B. To compare different population groups at a single point in time C. To observe and record changes over an extended period D. To test a hypothesis under controlled conditions None 16. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History In scientific research, what distinguishes a hypothesis from a theory? A. A hypothesis is a proven fact, while a theory is an educated guess. B. A hypothesis is less general than a theory. C. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, while a hypothesis is a tentative assumption or prediction. D. A theory can be tested, while a hypothesis cannot. None 17. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History What does the term "heuristic" refer to in the context of scientific research? A. A strict protocol that must be followed in conducting experiments B. A systematic approach to solving a problem by trial and error C. An error or bias in data interpretation D. A practical approach to problem-solving that uses a less rigorous method than the traditional scientific method None 18. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History The replication of scientific studies is important because it: A. Confirms the original findings using the same methodology B. Tests the validity of the findings under different conditions C. Ensures the original researchers receive appropriate credit D. Proves that the original hypothesis is correct None 19. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History In scientific methodology, what is meant by "data triangulation"? A. Using multiple methods or data sources to develop a comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon B. The process of analyzing data from three different experiments C. A statistical method for interpreting complex data sets D. Triangulating data points for geographical mapping None 20. Praxis General Science: Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History What is the role of an independent variable in an experimental design? A. It is the variable that is measured to see if it changes in response to other variables. B. It is the variable that the researcher manipulates or changes. C. It is a variable that remains unchanged throughout the experiment. D. It is the variable that predicts the outcome of the experiment. None 1 out of 20 Time is Up! Time's up
