Discussion Question 1 What do you think is the difference between a scientific theory, scientific hypothesis, and scientific law? Is there a sequential move from one to another; amongst scientific law, theory, and a hypothesis? Describe controlled conditions to find a scientific solution to a problem. Scientific theory is “a well-substantiated and comprehensive set of ideas that explains a phenomenon” (Carpi & Egger, 2009, para. 3). This implies that a theory isn’t merely an educated guess, but rather a carefully articulated belief that has been proven repeatedly. Whereas a scientific hypothesis, according to Webster, is an unproven theory or statement. That said, while a hypothesis can be used to support a theory, it can just as well be proven as incorrect. Scientific law, on the other hand, is the summary of an observation after proving a hypothesis to be true or accurate. When defining and explaining scientific law, scientific theory, and scientific hypothesis, there is a sequential move from one component to the next. The cycle starts with a hypothesis. The hypothesis is created in efforts to prove or disprove a statement or idea. After different test are conducted and the hypothesis is proven to be accurate, it can then become a theory. That theory, once proven to be true on a consistent basis, can then become a scientific law. In science, an idea cannot be called a theory until it has been confirmed through many different experiments. When testing a hypothesis there should be well defined controls in place for the experiments. When those controls are implemented, it is called a controlled experiment. A controlled experiment is one in which everything is held constant except for one variable. That one variable is known as the independent variable (Helmenstine, 2019). In a controlled experiment, controlled conditions are used to support or dispute theories. Discussion Question 2 How can precise and accurate measurement be achieved despite the inherent measurement uncertainty? (You will want to define accuracy and precision). What are the types of measurement errors? Explain at least three such errors. According to Merriam Webster dictionary, accuracy is the degree of conformity of a measure to a standard or a true value. Accuracy can also be explained as to how close a measurement is to its standard of known value. An example of accuracy is when shooting a bullseye target, the shots land close to the bullseye all grouped together. Precision, on the other hand, is independent of accuracy meaning that it is possible to be precise without being accurate. Precision refers to the closeness or similarity of two of more measurements. When it comes to science, a precise measurement too provides nearly the same measurement every time it is used. For example, when using a thermometer for measuring temperature, if you check the temperature 5 times and the degrees read the same or within only a few degrees difference, then the temperature in precise. Measurement errors can be categorized as either random or systematic, depending on how the measurements are gained. Random errors are errors due to precision limitations of the measuring device. Whereas systematic errors occur due to reproducible inaccuracies. Systematic errors cannot be detected or reduced with more observations or test. With measure errors, there are a few different types to include environmental factors, issues with calibration, and personal errors. Environmental factors are factors that are introduced based on the environment in which observation are being conducted. When it comes to calibration, before conducting observations, instruments must be properly calibrated. If not, it can produce different and even conflicting results. As for personal errors, this occurs when the individuals or individual conducting an experiment are careless or use improper techniques. These are all errors that could create deceptive results during experiments. References Anthony Carpi, P., & Anne E. Egger, P. (n.d.). Theories, hypotheses, and law. Retrieved from Vision Learning: https://www.visionlearning.com/en/library/Process-ofScience/49/Theories-Hypotheses-and-Laws/177/reading Helmenstine, A. M. (2019, February 2). Creating a controlled experiment. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/controlled-experiment-609091 McCubbins, S. (n.d.) Definition of accuracy and precision. Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/accuracy-vs-precision-in-chemistry-definitionscomparisons.html University of North Carolina. (2011). Measurements and error analysis. Retrieved from https://www.webassign.net/question_assets/unccolphysmechl1/measurements/manual.ht ml
