1. A theory is an attempt to explain a phenomenon based on observations and other types of evidence.
2. Scientific inquiry involves observing, questioning, reasoning, predicting, testing, interpreting, and concluding. Thus, scientific inquiry is the basis for forming scientific theories.
3. The steps of scientific inquiry include: observation, background information, formulating a hypothesis, devising an experiment, and continuing the inquiry.
4. A hypothesis is a possible explanation or possible conclusion to an inquiry.
5. An experiment is a controlled test designed to show whether or not an explanation for a phenomenon is possible.
6. The specific definitions for these terms are found in the text.
7. A hypothesis is more than just a question because a hypothesis is a possible explanation based on observation and logic.
8. An epidemiological study is based on real-life situations. Epidemiological studies might be retrospective (observational) or case-controlled. Lab studies involve "artificial" settings.
9. Although several answers are possible, probably the most obvious answer is simply that each of these scientists had a daring new idea, and they all stuck to their convictions.
10. Estrogen and substances that mimic estrogen are molecular, they act on the cells and affect entire organisms. The result may influence population levels -- either the entire population or the number of individuals within a population exhibiting a certain trait.
11. Answers will vary.
12. Because meta-analysis combines the results of many studies, the experimental numbers increase and the possibility for error decreases. Limitations might include time, variations in data gathering, and changes in basic population constructs. Studies may not be perfectly matched and some major commonality may be overlooked or misinterpreted.
TO THINK ABOUT
1. a. By asking the same questions of the women without breast cancer.
b. Major flaws include: assumption of honesty on the part of the participants and failure to include long-term presence or absence of breast cancer. As the problem is presented here, age is not considered, but this should be a major point of comparison.
c. As stated, the study reveals a correlation but some of the students might project ways in which the study could demonstrate cause-and-effect.
d. Answers will vary.
2. Answers will vary. Ask students to determine what types of questions researchers should include on the survey.
3. Answers will vary.
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