Deck 1: The Scientific Method
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Deck 1: The Scientific Method
1
Which of the following is the most useful for testing, gathering, and organizing information to obtain a better understanding of how the world works?
A) Science
B) Environmental science
C) The scientific method
D) Deductive reasoning
E) Inductive reasoning
A) Science
B) Environmental science
C) The scientific method
D) Deductive reasoning
E) Inductive reasoning
C
2
A hypothesis is a(n) _______ and experiments are designed to _______ the hypothesis.
A) guess; prove
B) question; falsify
C) theory; falsify
D) observation; prove
E) working premise; falsify
A) guess; prove
B) question; falsify
C) theory; falsify
D) observation; prove
E) working premise; falsify
E
3
You observe pigeons in your front yard and notice that the gray pigeons eat snails but the white pigeons do not. You conclude that all gray pigeons eat snails. This is called
A) environmental science.
B) inductive reasoning.
C) deductive reasoning.
D) the scientific method.
E) designing an experiment.
A) environmental science.
B) inductive reasoning.
C) deductive reasoning.
D) the scientific method.
E) designing an experiment.
B
4
You are working for a company that produces fertilizers. They want you to create a new "green" fertilizer. You ask the question, "Will the 'green' fertilizer produce a large enough yield of corn to be marketable?" You hypothesize that the "green" fertilizer will not be as effective as a synthetic fertilizer. You design an experiment to control the brand and amount of seeds planted, the sunlight, soil type, temperature, and amount of water applied. You set up two fields: one that will use the "green" fertilizer and one that will use the synthetic fertilizer. At the end of the study the data show that the field with the "green" fertilizer produced a greater yield of corn. Which of the following would you chose for the conclusion of your study?
A) The amount of sunlight affected the plant growth.
B) The study needs to be repeated since there were not enough controls.
C) The green fertilizer was more effective due to the amount of nitrogen in it.
D) The synthetic fertilizer was more effective and should continue to be marketed.
E) The hypothesis was falsified and the evidence supports green fertilizers can be effective.
A) The amount of sunlight affected the plant growth.
B) The study needs to be repeated since there were not enough controls.
C) The green fertilizer was more effective due to the amount of nitrogen in it.
D) The synthetic fertilizer was more effective and should continue to be marketed.
E) The hypothesis was falsified and the evidence supports green fertilizers can be effective.
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5
Charles Darwin observed differences in finches on different islands in the Galapagos Islands. He began to notice that among the finches were adaptations that helped them survive based on the local environment where they lived. He concluded that because the finches were all of the same species and the adaptations resulted in differences in beak structures for feeding, they all came from a common ancestor. This is an example of _______ reasoning.
A) scientific
B) deductive
C) inductive
D) Both b and c
E) None of the above
A) scientific
B) deductive
C) inductive
D) Both b and c
E) None of the above
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6
Some scientists were working on an experiment to learn more about how frogs react to pesticides in the frog's aquatic habitat. They completed their studies and published in the journal, Nature. You read the study and learn that one of the scientists was part-owner of the company that produces the pesticide studied; however, they did repeat the study and the knowledge has added to the field. Other scientists are now repeating the study. What conclusion can you make about the study in regards to science?
A) The study was objective, robust, repeated, and contributes to the body of knowledge so it is good science.
B) The study should be seen as suspect, but the replication and confirmation by others means that the findings are valid.
C) The study should not be published as it is not good science since frogs were exposed to pesticides which may have negatively affected them.
D) Since one of the scientists was associated with the pesticide company the study cannot be considered objective and therefore is not good science.
E) The conflict of interest should be overlooked as this is not a problem in science.
A) The study was objective, robust, repeated, and contributes to the body of knowledge so it is good science.
B) The study should be seen as suspect, but the replication and confirmation by others means that the findings are valid.
C) The study should not be published as it is not good science since frogs were exposed to pesticides which may have negatively affected them.
D) Since one of the scientists was associated with the pesticide company the study cannot be considered objective and therefore is not good science.
E) The conflict of interest should be overlooked as this is not a problem in science.
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7
When scientists finish a study and develop explanations for their data, they
A) use the data and their assumptions to form conclusions.
B) develop conclusions based on the evidence they have gathered.
C) provide a discussion of the uncertainty of their data.
D) Both b and c
E) All of the above
A) use the data and their assumptions to form conclusions.
B) develop conclusions based on the evidence they have gathered.
C) provide a discussion of the uncertainty of their data.
D) Both b and c
E) All of the above
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8
Which of the following is not part of science?
A) Being objective in all aspects of an experiment
B) Making conclusions based on data gathered
C) Gathering evidence that leads to proof
D) Manipulating variables in an experiment
E) Making inferences based on general patterns
A) Being objective in all aspects of an experiment
B) Making conclusions based on data gathered
C) Gathering evidence that leads to proof
D) Manipulating variables in an experiment
E) Making inferences based on general patterns
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9
Environmental scientists reported on a study they conducted on American coots and their migration patterns. The scientists discuss the measurement errors in their conclusions. In doing so, they are
A) expressing concern over whether their data are correct.
B) stating that they do not know what their research means.
C) quantifying the degree of error and variability present in the data.
D) suggesting that others should not trust their conclusions.
E) showing that science cannot be trusted and is unreliable.
A) expressing concern over whether their data are correct.
B) stating that they do not know what their research means.
C) quantifying the degree of error and variability present in the data.
D) suggesting that others should not trust their conclusions.
E) showing that science cannot be trusted and is unreliable.
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10
Which of the following accurately reflects the connection between science, decision-making, and environmental science?
A) Science and environmental science rely on evidence; good decision-making only sometimes relies on evidence.
B) Science and good decision-making rely on evidence; environmental science does not always rely on evidence.
C) Science relies on good decision-making and environmental science relies on evidence.
D) Science and good decision-making relies on evidence; environmental science relies on good decision-making.
E) Science and good decision-making rely on evidence; environmental science relies on evidence.
A) Science and environmental science rely on evidence; good decision-making only sometimes relies on evidence.
B) Science and good decision-making rely on evidence; environmental science does not always rely on evidence.
C) Science relies on good decision-making and environmental science relies on evidence.
D) Science and good decision-making relies on evidence; environmental science relies on good decision-making.
E) Science and good decision-making rely on evidence; environmental science relies on evidence.
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11
A team of environmental scientists conducted a water quality study on a river. They studied the dissolved oxygen and pH of the water. They also examined how these factors may affect fish in the pond. The dissolved oxygen levels found were 2.0 ppm and the pH was 5.0. According to this study and the charts below, what is the best conclusion that can be made based on the information given and fish survival?
(Source: http://www.water-research.net/Watershed/dissolvedoxygen.htm)
(Source: http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/effects/surface_water.html)
A) No fish can survive at the dissolved oxygen or pH levels found in this study.
B) Trout and bass can live in the water based on the dissolved oxygen and pH levels found in this study.
C) The dissolved oxygen is high enough for fish but the pH levels are too low.
D) The pH levels could support trout and perch, but not bass; however, the dissolved oxygen levels are too low to support fish.
E) The dissolved oxygen and pH levels are good enough for all aquatic organisms to survive.


A) No fish can survive at the dissolved oxygen or pH levels found in this study.
B) Trout and bass can live in the water based on the dissolved oxygen and pH levels found in this study.
C) The dissolved oxygen is high enough for fish but the pH levels are too low.
D) The pH levels could support trout and perch, but not bass; however, the dissolved oxygen levels are too low to support fish.
E) The dissolved oxygen and pH levels are good enough for all aquatic organisms to survive.
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12
Continuous variables
A) are variables that scientists keep controlled in experiments to rule out measurement error.
B) are working premises set up to be falsifiable.
C) have values that may change by an infinitesimally small amount, rather than in units of some predetermined size.
D) have values that remain the same in repeated experiments that help scientists make stronger conclusions.
E) fall outside of a typical bell curve.
A) are variables that scientists keep controlled in experiments to rule out measurement error.
B) are working premises set up to be falsifiable.
C) have values that may change by an infinitesimally small amount, rather than in units of some predetermined size.
D) have values that remain the same in repeated experiments that help scientists make stronger conclusions.
E) fall outside of a typical bell curve.
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13
Which of the following is not an example of a continuous variable?
A) A child weighs 55 pounds.
B) The income of a manager at a retail store
C) The age of a woman is twenty-five years old.
D) A man's blood pressure is 120/70.
E) The number of eggs a goose lays in a nest
A) A child weighs 55 pounds.
B) The income of a manager at a retail store
C) The age of a woman is twenty-five years old.
D) A man's blood pressure is 120/70.
E) The number of eggs a goose lays in a nest
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14
The range of likely true values of a variable
A) may be very broad and depends on the height of the bell curve, as well as the mean.
B) may be very narrow and depends on the width of the bell curve, as well as the number of measurements made.
C) may be quite broad and depends on the height of the bell curve, as well as the number of measurements made.
D) may be quite broad and depends on the width of the bell curve, as well as the number of measurements made.
E) may be narrow and depends on the height and width of the bell curve, as well as the mean.
A) may be very broad and depends on the height of the bell curve, as well as the mean.
B) may be very narrow and depends on the width of the bell curve, as well as the number of measurements made.
C) may be quite broad and depends on the height of the bell curve, as well as the number of measurements made.
D) may be quite broad and depends on the width of the bell curve, as well as the number of measurements made.
E) may be narrow and depends on the height and width of the bell curve, as well as the mean.
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15
What is the main difference between scientists and car mechanics?
A) Mechanics have more precise equipment to make accurate and precise measurements.
B) Scientists make statements that include the uncertainty in their conclusions given that it is not possible to measure any continuous variable with perfect precision.
C) Mechanics can be more certain because the measurement error is less important when the range of possible values is known or does not differ from one situation to another.
D) Both b and c
E) All of the above
A) Mechanics have more precise equipment to make accurate and precise measurements.
B) Scientists make statements that include the uncertainty in their conclusions given that it is not possible to measure any continuous variable with perfect precision.
C) Mechanics can be more certain because the measurement error is less important when the range of possible values is known or does not differ from one situation to another.
D) Both b and c
E) All of the above
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16
It is common for repeated measurements of the same variable to be different
A) because of the use of a bell curve.
B) since scientists often do not know how to make good measurements.
C) because of error in estimating the value.
D) because only car mechanics can make the most precise measurements.
E) since scientific equipment has not kept up with new technological advances.
A) because of the use of a bell curve.
B) since scientists often do not know how to make good measurements.
C) because of error in estimating the value.
D) because only car mechanics can make the most precise measurements.
E) since scientific equipment has not kept up with new technological advances.
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17
A schematic used by environmental scientists to help explain how parts of a natural system interact with each other and how strongly they interact, and helps to make predictions is referred to as
A) the scientific method.
B) a model.
C) measurement error.
D) a continuous variable.
E) general patterns.
A) the scientific method.
B) a model.
C) measurement error.
D) a continuous variable.
E) general patterns.
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18
A scientist is studying air pollution in a large city. She creates a model to study the various variables involved such as population, the amount and types of cars driven, the use of public transportation, and temperature. What is the main advantage of the scientist's use of a model in this experiment?
A) She will be able to show the scientific community that the model is effective.
B) She can change many variables at once in order to see how they interact with each other.
C) She will be able to measure each continuous variable with perfect precision.
D) She can change one variable and observe the response of the system.
E) She will have an experiment with no uncertainty when the study is completed.
A) She will be able to show the scientific community that the model is effective.
B) She can change many variables at once in order to see how they interact with each other.
C) She will be able to measure each continuous variable with perfect precision.
D) She can change one variable and observe the response of the system.
E) She will have an experiment with no uncertainty when the study is completed.
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19
Ptolemy's model of planetary motion failed because
A) it did not factor in the Earth's tilt.
B) it assumed that the Earth was the center of the universe.
C) he placed the planets in the wrong order from the Sun.
D) it did not accurately predict the movements of the planets.
E) Both a and c
A) it did not factor in the Earth's tilt.
B) it assumed that the Earth was the center of the universe.
C) he placed the planets in the wrong order from the Sun.
D) it did not accurately predict the movements of the planets.
E) Both a and c
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20
Environmental problems occur for various reasons. Suppose a single mother who is a lawyer is moving from her apartment into a house she recently purchased. She has been taking clothes and furniture she does not want to a local Goodwill. Her children have gathered up the recyclables to take them in for cash. She has some old paint that she does not want to take with her. She throws the paint cans into the trash for the curbside pick-up. Which of the following is most likely the reason she throws away the paint cans?
A) She can't afford to drop off the paint at a hazardous waste facility.
B) She is unaware of the environmental impacts of paint going to a landfill.
C) She doesn't care about the environment.
D) She does not have time to find the nearest hazardous waste facility.
E) Both a and c
A) She can't afford to drop off the paint at a hazardous waste facility.
B) She is unaware of the environmental impacts of paint going to a landfill.
C) She doesn't care about the environment.
D) She does not have time to find the nearest hazardous waste facility.
E) Both a and c
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21
In considering early civilizations, we could expect that environmentally-friendly behaviors were most likely favored when
A) human populations were settled after the rise of agriculture.
B) rare and essential resources might be used up or damaged.
C) civilizations were migratory and would move on to a new location.
D) Both a and b
E) All of the above
A) human populations were settled after the rise of agriculture.
B) rare and essential resources might be used up or damaged.
C) civilizations were migratory and would move on to a new location.
D) Both a and b
E) All of the above
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22
Which academic discipline can help an environmental scientist understand human decision-making when we consider how humans make decisions based on delayed rewards?
A) Economics
B) Psychology
C) Sociology
D) Physics
E) Anthropology
A) Economics
B) Psychology
C) Sociology
D) Physics
E) Anthropology
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23
Refer to the map below of the Kyoto Protocol participation as of February, 2012. The Kyoto Protocol is an international environmental treaty aimed to reduce greenhouse gases that may lead to climate change. This example demonstrates
(Key: Green = countries that have ratified the treaty; brown = no intention to ratify; red = countries which have withdrawn from the Protocol; grey = no position taken or position unknown.)
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Protocol)
A) that humans are willing to work together to change their environmental behaviors even if problems occur outside of their immediate living space.
B) that strategies used in game theory can break down when there are many players, some of which do not want to cooperate.
C) a model in science that predicts temperature changes over time in relation to climate change.
D) how the scientific method can work toward solving serious environmental problems globally.
E) that statistical analyses can help deal with uncertainty in environmental science studies.

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Protocol)
A) that humans are willing to work together to change their environmental behaviors even if problems occur outside of their immediate living space.
B) that strategies used in game theory can break down when there are many players, some of which do not want to cooperate.
C) a model in science that predicts temperature changes over time in relation to climate change.
D) how the scientific method can work toward solving serious environmental problems globally.
E) that statistical analyses can help deal with uncertainty in environmental science studies.
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24
A small town will experience a potential water shortage if current consumption rates continue. Some of the residents in town want to build a dam on the river and have formed a group they named "Dam the water." Some of the residents are against the dam and state that water problem can be stopped if residents conserve water. They have named their group "No more green lawns." Which academic discipline could best help environmental scientists working with the town come to a consensus of how to address the water shortage problem in this town?
A) Psychology, since a major theme in psychology is the response of animals and people to delayed rewards
B) Economics, since it works with masses of people and identifies social subgroups
C) Sociology, since it could suggest methods to reduce environmental conflicts of interest between groups
D) Anthropology, since it has the sub-discipline "game theory"
E) Sociobiology, since studies within this discipline look at how individuals become socialized and identify with particular subgroups
A) Psychology, since a major theme in psychology is the response of animals and people to delayed rewards
B) Economics, since it works with masses of people and identifies social subgroups
C) Sociology, since it could suggest methods to reduce environmental conflicts of interest between groups
D) Anthropology, since it has the sub-discipline "game theory"
E) Sociobiology, since studies within this discipline look at how individuals become socialized and identify with particular subgroups
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25
Which of the following is the best definition of "game theory"?
A) A sub-discipline of sociology that deals with the question of how people resolve conflicts of interest
B) A board game that communities, governments, and corporations always play in order to solve environmental problems
C) A board game that corporations play that helps them make more money, despite any environmental impact
D) A field of academic study that studies the response of animals and people to delayed rewards
E) An area of economics that deals with the question of how people resolve conflicts of interest
A) A sub-discipline of sociology that deals with the question of how people resolve conflicts of interest
B) A board game that communities, governments, and corporations always play in order to solve environmental problems
C) A board game that corporations play that helps them make more money, despite any environmental impact
D) A field of academic study that studies the response of animals and people to delayed rewards
E) An area of economics that deals with the question of how people resolve conflicts of interest
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26
Use the following terms to construct diagrams of deductive and inductive reasoning: theory, pattern, observation, confirmation, and hypothesis. Make sure you include arrows to show how each type of reasoning works, and give a brief explanation of each type of reasoning.
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27
Use the scientific method to test the following hypothesis: If you drop a penny and a book from the same height they will both hit the floor at the same time.
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28
Describe how science is used to learn about, work with, and at times solve environmental issues.
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29
Justify the following statement by explaining how it is true: The uncertainty in estimating the value of a variable increases when it is the result of adding or multiplying several other continuous variables, each of which has a range of likely true values.
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30
If we were to predict how much air pollution a large city could expect in 10 years, why would it be difficult to make a precise estimate?
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31
Explain how models are used in science and what they must accomplish to be accepted.
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32
Discuss the complexity of models used in science and give an example of a complex model and a simple model.
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33
Design a plan for a model that could help environmental scientists understand how population growth and water pollution interact.
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34
Explain why it is difficult for a scientist to apply a model from a tropical rainforest to a desert ecosystem.
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35
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: "Humans have little natural tendency to change their behaviors to help the environment globally."? Justify and defend your answer.
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36
You have been hired as a consultant to work with a group of people in a small town. The town is facing problems with a decision on whether to develop agricultural land for housing and commercial uses or keep it as agricultural land. The town is split three ways: (1) all housing and commercial uses; (2) all agriculture; and (3) find a way to do both. Explain how you can use game theory to help you in your work. Be sure to include problems with game theory you may encounter.
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