Question

Robert, an aspiring scientist in a biology class, wanted to conduct a study on the effects of cigarette smoke on the web-building ability of spiders. Which of the following statements is an incorrect use of terms pertaining to the scientific method?a) Robert wanted to see if his theory was true that cigarette smoke will influence web-building in spiders. b) Robert made the observation that spiders weave webs. c) As a control, Robert had a group of spiders that were never exposed to cigarette smoke. d) Robert examined the webs from both the control group and the test group and the data were recorded in a table. e) Robert concluded that there was no significant difference in the ability to weave a web under conditions of cigarette smoke compared to spiders that were not exposed.

Answer 1

The correct answer is A. Robert wanted to see if his theory was true that cigarette smoke will influence web-building in spiders.

Explanation:

In the scientific method and science, the correct term to define the explanation proposed by a scientist about the phenomenon or event he wants to study is a hypothesis. On the other hand, the term theory in science is used to refer to explanations that have been repeatedly proved or confirmed. This implies the idea "cigarette smoke will influence web-building in spiders" in Robert's experiment is a hypothesis and not a theory and therefore, the statement "Robert wanted to see if his theory was true that cigarette smoke will influence web-building in spiders" contains an incorrect use of a scientific term.