ACT Science Flashcards: Comparing Viewpoints And Hypotheses

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Comparing Viewpoints And Hypotheses, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for ACT Science.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Which option best defines a control condition in an experiment discussion?

Answer: A baseline condition used for comparison to isolate the tested factor. Standard reference point to show the effect of experimental changes.

Flashcard 2: What is the importance of sample size in scientific research?

Answer: Larger samples increase reliability and generalizability. More subjects reduce random error and improve statistical power.

Flashcard 3: Identify the term for the consistency of a measurement in repeated tests.

Answer: Reliability. Consistent results indicate the measurement tool is dependable.

Flashcard 4: Which option best describes scientific skepticism?

Answer: Questioning the validity of a claim without evidence. Requires evidence before accepting claims as scientifically valid.

Flashcard 5: Which option best describes a double-blind study?

Answer: Both subjects and researchers are unaware of group assignments. Eliminates bias from both participants and researchers.

Flashcard 6: Identify the term for a potential explanation that is not yet tested.

Answer: Hypothesis. Requires testing through experimentation to become validated.

Flashcard 7: What is a 'confidence interval' in statistics?

Answer: A range of values that likely contain the true parameter. Shows uncertainty around the estimated value.

Flashcard 8: What is the dependent variable in an experiment description?

Answer: The measured outcome that changes in response to the independent variable. What you measure as a result of changing other factors.

Flashcard 9: What is meant by 'peer review' in scientific research?

Answer: Evaluation by other experts in the field. Ensures quality and credibility of research.

Flashcard 10: What is the term for a conclusion drawn from data and observations?

Answer: Inference. Logical deduction based on available evidence and data.

Flashcard 11: Define 'sample size' in the context of experiments.

Answer: The number of subjects or observations in a study. Determines how many participants are included.

Flashcard 12: Which hypothesis is inconsistent with data: at $X=1$, $Y=5$; at $X=2$, $Y=5$? Hypothesis A: $Y$ depends on $X$. Hypothesis B: $Y$ constant.

Answer: Hypothesis A. Constant $Y$ contradicts Hypothesis A's claim of dependence.

Flashcard 13: Which option best describes a key limitation when comparing viewpoints without data?

Answer: You can compare logic but cannot confirm which is correct. Without data, you can only assess internal consistency.

Flashcard 14: What is the correct interpretation when data support Viewpoint A at low $X$ but support Viewpoint B at high $X$?

Answer: Each viewpoint may apply in a different range of conditions. Different conditions may favor different mechanisms or viewpoints.

Flashcard 15: Which variable is measured in response to changes in the independent variable?

Answer: Dependent variable. Changes in response to independent variable manipulation.

Flashcard 16: Which term describes a consistent result across multiple studies?

Answer: Reproducibility. Results can be repeated by different researchers.

Flashcard 17: What does it mean to falsify a hypothesis?

Answer: To demonstrate that a hypothesis is incorrect. Falsification provides evidence against a proposed explanation.

Flashcard 18: Which option describes an experiment's reproducibility?

Answer: Achieving consistent results in repeated trials. Independent researchers get the same results.

Flashcard 19: What is the independent variable in an experiment description?

Answer: The factor deliberately changed or compared by the investigator. The variable you manipulate to test its effect.

Flashcard 20: What is a common method for testing a hypothesis?

Answer: Conducting an experiment. Controlled experiments provide data to support or refute predictions.

Flashcard 21: What should you do if a question asks which viewpoint "would most likely agree" with a new observation?

Answer: Choose the viewpoint whose mechanism predicts that observation. Match the observation to each viewpoint's logical predictions.

Flashcard 22: Which viewpoint matches this prediction: "Doubling $X$ doubles $Y$"? Option A: $Y \propto X$. Option B: $Y \propto \frac{1}{X}$.

Answer: Option A: $Y \propto X$. Direct proportionality means doubling input doubles output.

Flashcard 23: Which term describes a hypothesis that has been repeatedly tested and confirmed?

Answer: Scientific theory. Extensive testing builds strong scientific support.

Flashcard 24: Which term describes a consistent result across multiple studies?

Answer: Reproducibility. Results can be repeated by different researchers.

Flashcard 25: What does it mean if a viewpoint is quantitative rather than qualitative?

Answer: It predicts numerical relationships or specific measurable values. Makes specific numerical predictions that can be measured.

Flashcard 26: Identify the term for a hypothesis that predicts no effect or relationship.

Answer: Null hypothesis. Assumes no change or difference will occur in the experiment.

Flashcard 27: Which option best indicates that a viewpoint is testable rather than purely descriptive?

Answer: It makes a prediction that could be checked with measurements. Testability requires specific, measurable predictions.

Flashcard 28: What is the term for an outcome that contradicts the hypothesis?

Answer: Null result. When data doesn't support the predicted outcome.

Flashcard 29: What is a 'confidence interval' in statistics?

Answer: A range of values that likely contain the true parameter. Shows uncertainty around the estimated value.

Flashcard 30: What does it mean if a viewpoint is qualitative rather than quantitative?

Answer: It describes direction or type of change without numerical values. Describes trends or patterns without specific measurements.

Flashcard 31: What is a hypothesis in an ACT Science Comparing Viewpoints passage?

Answer: A proposed explanation or prediction that can be tested. Must be specific enough to allow experimental testing.

Flashcard 32: What does it mean if two hypotheses are mutually exclusive?

Answer: They cannot both be true simultaneously. Only one can be correct when they contradict each other.

Flashcard 33: Define 'null hypothesis' in scientific research.

Answer: A hypothesis that assumes no effect or relationship. Default assumption that there's no difference or effect.

Flashcard 34: Identify the term for a factor that could affect the outcome of an experiment.

Answer: Confounding variable. Unwanted factor that influences experimental results.

Flashcard 35: Which option best defines a prediction in a scientific hypothesis?

Answer: A specific expected result under stated conditions. Must be concrete and verifiable through observation or experiment.

Flashcard 36: What does it mean if a viewpoint is quantitative rather than qualitative?

Answer: It predicts numerical relationships or specific measurable values. Makes specific numerical predictions that can be measured.

Flashcard 37: What is a hypothesis in scientific research?

Answer: A testable statement predicting an outcome. Must be specific and measurable to enable testing.

Flashcard 38: What is the main function of a literature review in research?

Answer: To survey existing knowledge and identify gaps. Establishes foundation and context for new research.

Flashcard 39: Define the term 'falsifiability' in scientific hypotheses.

Answer: The ability of a hypothesis to be proven false. Must be possible to disprove through testing.

Flashcard 40: What is the meaning of "cannot be determined" in viewpoint questions?

Answer: The passage provides insufficient information to decide. Lack of relevant data makes evaluation impossible.

Flashcard 41: Which method involves comparing results of an experiment with expected outcomes?

Answer: Analysis of variance. Compares multiple groups to identify differences.

Flashcard 42: Identify the type of reasoning that involves forming a generalization.

Answer: Inductive reasoning. Moves from specific observations to broader generalizations.

Flashcard 43: What is the term for a conclusion drawn from data and observations?

Answer: Inference. Logical deduction based on available evidence and data.

Flashcard 44: What does a 'type I error' refer to in hypothesis testing?

Answer: Incorrectly rejecting the null hypothesis. False positive - claiming effect when none exists.

Flashcard 45: What is the meaning of "supports" in data-based viewpoint questions?

Answer: The data pattern matches the viewpoint's prediction. The data confirm what the viewpoint predicted would happen.

Flashcard 46: Which factor is measured in an experiment to assess the effect of changes?

Answer: Dependent variable. This variable responds to changes in the independent variable.

Flashcard 47: Which viewpoint matches this prediction: "Doubling $X$ halves $Y$"? Option A: $Y \propto X$. Option B: $Y \propto \frac{1}{X}$.

Answer: Option B: $Y \propto \frac{1}{X}$. Inverse proportionality means doubling input halves output.

Flashcard 48: Identify the term for a hypothesis that predicts no effect or relationship.

Answer: Null hypothesis. Assumes no change or difference will occur in the experiment.

Flashcard 49: What is an experimental design?

Answer: A plan for conducting an experiment. Framework that guides data collection and analysis.

Flashcard 50: What is the correct interpretation when data support Viewpoint A at low $X$ but support Viewpoint B at high $X$?

Answer: Each viewpoint may apply in a different range of conditions. Different conditions may favor different mechanisms or viewpoints.

Flashcard 51: Which statement is consistent with a negative correlation between $X$ and $Y$?

Answer: As $X$ increases, $Y$ decreases. Negative correlation means variables move in opposite directions.

Flashcard 52: What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?

Answer: Qualitative is descriptive; quantitative is numerical. Qualitative uses words; quantitative uses numbers and measurements.

Flashcard 53: Identify the purpose of using a hypothesis in scientific research.

Answer: To provide a basis for experimentation. Guides experimental design and data collection methods.

Flashcard 54: What is the role of an experimental group in research?

Answer: To test the effect of the independent variable. Receives the treatment being studied to measure its impact.

Flashcard 55: What is the primary goal of comparing different scientific viewpoints?

Answer: To evaluate the validity of each viewpoint. Comparing helps identify which explanations are supported by evidence.

Flashcard 56: Which term refers to the likelihood of a result occurring by chance?

Answer: P-value. Lower values indicate less likely due to chance.

Flashcard 57: What is the primary role of a hypothesis in an experiment?

Answer: To provide a testable statement that guides research. Directs the experiment and enables focused testing.

Flashcard 58: Which viewpoint is consistent with this result: when $X$ increases from $2$ to $4$, $Y$ stays at $10$? Viewpoint A: $Y$ constant. Viewpoint B: $Y$ increases.

Answer: Viewpoint A. Constant $Y$ matches Viewpoint A's prediction exactly.

Flashcard 59: In what type of study is the subject unaware of their group assignment?

Answer: Blind study. Prevents bias from subject expectations.

Flashcard 60: What is the meaning of "cannot be determined" in viewpoint questions?

Answer: The passage provides insufficient information to decide. Lack of relevant data makes evaluation impossible.

Flashcard 61: What is the term for the logical reasoning used to derive conclusions?

Answer: Deductive reasoning. Moves from general principles to specific conclusions.

Flashcard 62: Identify the relationship if data fit $Y=kX^2$ for constant $k$.

Answer: $Y$ is proportional to $X^2$. The relationship follows a quadratic pattern with $X$.

Flashcard 63: Define 'independent variable' in an experiment.

Answer: The variable that is manipulated by the researcher. Researcher controls this to test its effects.

Flashcard 64: Which hypothesis is tested by looking for evidence that contradicts it?

Answer: Null hypothesis. Scientists try to disprove it to support the alternative hypothesis.

Flashcard 65: Identify the supported claim if data show $Y=0$ when $X=0$ and $Y$ rises linearly with $X$.

Answer: $Y$ is directly proportional to $X$. Linear relationship passing through origin indicates direct proportionality.

Flashcard 66: What is a viewpoint in an ACT Science Comparing Viewpoints passage?

Answer: A scientist or student's stated explanation, claim, or model. Represents one scientist's interpretation or theoretical position.

Flashcard 67: Which term refers to data collected through direct measurement?

Answer: Empirical data. Based on observation and experimentation.

Flashcard 68: Which option describes the process of drawing conclusions from evidence?

Answer: Inference. Logical reasoning from observations to reach supported conclusions.

Flashcard 69: Which option best describes a distinguishing feature between two hypotheses?

Answer: A variable, mechanism, or condition one includes and the other does not. A factor that separates one hypothesis from another.

Flashcard 70: Which factor is crucial for the replicability of an experiment?

Answer: Detailed documentation of methods. Others must be able to repeat the procedure.

Flashcard 71: Which term best describes the systematic investigation to establish facts?

Answer: Scientific inquiry. Methodical approach to discovering knowledge.

Flashcard 72: Which term refers to the likelihood of a result occurring by chance?

Answer: P-value. Lower values indicate less likely due to chance.

Flashcard 73: What is the "mechanism" of a viewpoint in ACT Science terms?

Answer: The described process explaining how the outcome occurs. The step-by-step process explaining the cause-effect relationship.

Flashcard 74: What is the term for a variable that may influence results but is not controlled?

Answer: Confounding variable. Uncontrolled factors that might affect the dependent variable.

Flashcard 75: What is the definition of 'causation' in scientific terms?

Answer: The action of causing an effect. One factor directly produces a change.

Flashcard 76: Which factor is crucial for the replicability of an experiment?

Answer: Detailed documentation of methods. Others must be able to repeat the procedure.

Flashcard 77: Which term describes the accuracy of a measurement or result?

Answer: Validity. Measures how well results reflect the true phenomenon.

Flashcard 78: What is the meaning of "refutes" in data-based viewpoint questions?

Answer: The data pattern contradicts the viewpoint's prediction. The data show the opposite of what was predicted.

Flashcard 79: Which statement is consistent with a negative correlation between $X$ and $Y$?

Answer: As $X$ increases, $Y$ decreases. Negative correlation means variables move in opposite directions.

Flashcard 80: Which variable is measured in response to changes in the independent variable?

Answer: Dependent variable. Changes in response to independent variable manipulation.

Flashcard 81: What is a hypothesis?

Answer: A testable prediction or explanation for a phenomenon. Hypotheses must be specific and measurable to allow scientific testing.

Flashcard 82: Which hypothesis is tested by looking for evidence that contradicts it?

Answer: Null hypothesis. Scientists try to disprove it to support the alternative hypothesis.

Flashcard 83: What does it mean when two hypotheses are compatible?

Answer: Both can be true because they do not logically conflict. No logical contradiction exists between the two claims.

Flashcard 84: What does it mean if a result is statistically significant?

Answer: Unlikely to have occurred by chance, indicating a real effect. Low probability the result occurred randomly.

Flashcard 85: What does 'correlation' indicate in data analysis?

Answer: A relationship between two variables. Shows association but not necessarily causation.

Flashcard 86: Identify the variable manipulated by the researcher in an experiment.

Answer: Independent variable. The cause that researchers change to study its effects.

Flashcard 87: What is the best way to handle unfamiliar scientific terms in a viewpoints passage?

Answer: Use context to map each term to its role in the claim or mechanism. Focus on function rather than memorizing scientific vocabulary.

Flashcard 88: Identify the viewpoint that agrees with: "$Y$ is independent of $X$." Viewpoint 1: $Y$ changes with $X$. Viewpoint 2: $Y$ stays constant as $X$ changes.

Answer: Viewpoint 2. Independence means $Y$ doesn't change regardless of $X$ values.

Flashcard 89: What is the best way to handle unfamiliar scientific terms in a viewpoints passage?

Answer: Use context to map each term to its role in the claim or mechanism. Focus on function rather than memorizing scientific vocabulary.

Flashcard 90: Identify the role of a placebo in clinical trials.

Answer: To act as a control to measure treatment effects. Inactive treatment allows measurement of real effects.

Flashcard 91: What is a 'type II error' in hypothesis testing?

Answer: Failing to reject a false null hypothesis. False negative - missing a real effect.

Flashcard 92: What is the term for an outcome that contradicts the hypothesis?

Answer: Null result. When data doesn't support the predicted outcome.

Flashcard 93: Identify the term for an experiment conducted without a control group.

Answer: Uncontrolled experiment. Lacks comparison group to isolate variables.

Flashcard 94: Which statement is consistent with a positive correlation between $X$ and $Y$?

Answer: As $X$ increases, $Y$ increases. Positive correlation means variables move in the same direction.

Flashcard 95: Which method involves comparing results of an experiment with expected outcomes?

Answer: Analysis of variance. Compares multiple groups to identify differences.

Flashcard 96: What is the most reliable evidence source when viewpoints conflict with each other?

Answer: The experimental results, graphs, and tables in the passage. Actual data trump theoretical claims when they conflict.

Flashcard 97: Identify the method used to test the reliability of a hypothesis.

Answer: Replication of experiments. Independent repetition confirms the original findings are valid.

Flashcard 98: Which option best describes an anomaly in scientific research?

Answer: Data that does not fit expected patterns. Unexpected results that don't match predicted outcomes.

Flashcard 99: What is the primary goal of comparing different scientific viewpoints?

Answer: To evaluate the validity of each viewpoint. Comparing helps identify which explanations are supported by evidence.

Flashcard 100: Identify the supported claim if data show $Y$ is constant for all tested $X$ values.

Answer: $Y$ does not depend on $X$. Constant $Y$ regardless of $X$ shows no dependence relationship.