WGU Science, Technology, and Society (YXC1) Pre-Assessment Questions and Answers

A series of flashcards derived from the WGU Science, Technology, and Society pre-assessment, covering key concepts such as scientific methods, laws, ethics, and significant historical figures in science.

Direct cause-and-effect relationship

A relationship where one event (the cause) directly results in another event (the effect). Example: Because a person is exposed to bacteria, the person will get sick.

Observed pattern

A recurring element noticed in data that can guide scientific investigation, such as Athletes' hand-eye coordination appears to be quicker than that of non-athletes.

Scientific laws

Statements that describe the consistent behavior of natural phenomena, representing general principles in nature and may not have a known explanation.

Scientific knowledge

Knowledge gained through scientific methods that seeks to understand the natural world and is built through imagination, prior knowledge, and perseverance.

Peer review process

A method by which scientists evaluate the work of their peers to ensure quality and credibility of research before publication.

Best practices in scientific ethics

Actions that promote integrity in research, such as Acknowledging evidence that may dispute findings and Investigating what other scientists have accomplished.

Inductive method

An approach in science where generalizations are made based on specific observations, changing the impact of science on society.

Isaac Newton

A scientist known for his contributions including the three laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation.

Chronological order of scientific discoveries

A sequence showing the progression of scientific findings over time, such as the identification of the greenhouse effect and its relation to carbon emissions.

Scientific hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation, such as 'March winds in the United States are getting faster because of rising temperatures.'

Well-designed scientific investigation

An investigation where a hypothesis is tested, multiple independent variables are not manipulated within one trial, and observations are accurately recorded.

Controlled variable

A variable that remains constant throughout an experiment to ensure valid results, such as the uniformity of the contact lens solution.

Description vs Explanation

Descriptions provide factual statements about phenomena, while explanations provide reasons or causes for those phenomena.

Scientific investigations

Careful explorations conducted to test hypotheses, gather data, and ultimately contribute to the body of scientific knowledge.