Hi, I have two questions about biology I need help with.
1) Some questions fall outside the realm of science, which of the following questions could not be answered using the scientific method?
A)What is the function of the appendix in human beings?
B) Why is it unethical to test newly developed drugs in animals?
C) Why do smokers develop lung cancer more frequently than nonsmokers?
D) Why is it so difficult to quit smoking?
I'm pretty sure it's B because it cant make moral judgements.
2) The scientific method cannot be used to evaluate untestable hypotheses, what types of questins are untestable?
A)questions about topics other than the natural world
B)questions about events immediately following the origin of the universe
C)questions about the behavior of plants and animals
D)questions whose possible answers are socially controversial
I think it's D, but I'm not sure.
Thank you
I agree with both your answers.
Well for 2, my notes say how the scientific method can be useful for studying the natural world, I don't know if that means the answer would be A then. Do you know by any chance?
Isn't a socially controversial question an "untestable hypotheses"?
However, I can see how A might be the answer your instructor wants.
Hi! I'm here to help you with your biology questions. Let's tackle them one by one:
1) The scientific method is a systematic approach used by scientists to investigate natural phenomena. It involves making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Based on the given options, you are correct. B) "Why is it unethical to test newly developed drugs in animals?" is the question that could not be answered using the scientific method because it involves ethics, which falls outside the purview of science. While the scientific method can inform ethical discussions, it cannot provide an answer to ethical questions themselves.
2) Untestable hypotheses are those that cannot be scientifically investigated due to limitations or constraints. Based on the given options, you are correct again. D) "Questions whose possible answers are socially controversial" is the correct choice. The scientific method relies on empirical evidence and objective observations and cannot be used to investigate questions that involve subjective opinions, values, or controversies.
In summary, for the first question, B) cannot be answered using the scientific method due to ethical considerations. And for the second question, D) involves socially controversial answers, making it untestable according to the scientific method. I hope this explanation helps! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.