Deck 2: Science Literacy and the Process of Science- Science and the Sky: Solving the Mystery of the Disappearing Ozone

Question 1

Which of the following is FALSE regarding a scientific theory?

A) It can be modified over time as new information is discovered.
B) It is the result of a hypothesis being repeatedly supported by many lines of inquiry.
C) It has strong predictive powers that can explain observed phenomena.
D) It is an idea based only on observations.
E) It is a very well-supported hypothesis.

Answer 1

It is an idea based only on observations.

Question 2

2.4.

Refer to Infographic 2.4. Explain why in science absolute proof is not required.

Answer 2

Since all scientific information is open to further investigation, it is not expected or required to have absolute proof in science.

Question 3

Which of the following ensures that only quality scientific studies that have been well controlled and avoid bias appear in scientific journals?

A) peer review
B) funding agencies
C) an independent variable
D) anecdotal evidence
E) the scientist responsible for the experiment

Answer 3

peer review

Question 4

Cell theory states that all living organisms are made up of one or more cells. Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding this theory?

A) All living organisms discovered so far have been made of one or more cells.
B) A newly discovered organism is very likely to be made out of one or more cells.
C) Cells are the basic units of structure for all known living organisms.
D) No living organism will ever be discovered that is not made out of cells.
E) All of the above are true.

Question 5

Which of the following hypotheses is NOT testable?

A) CFCs are causing depletion of the ozone layer.
B) Bacterial water pollution increases risk of infectious disease.
C) Increased salt intake leads to high blood pressure.
D) Reincarnation exists.
E) Increased UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.

Question 6

Why can scientific opinions change over time?

A) All conclusions in science are considered tentative and open to revision.
B) Our understanding of a concept or process can change as scientists learn more.
C) New evidence may be used to overturn a prevailing conclusion.
D) All of these statements are true.
E) None of these statements are true.

Question 7

How does a peer-reviewed article compare to an Internet blog?

A) Both are equally analyzed and evaluated by scientists in the field prior to publication.
B) Any person can easily create and publish a peer-reviewed article.
C) A peer-reviewed article is likely to contain opinions that are not supported by data.
D) A blog must be written by a researcher and not a reporter.
E) The study design and results are evaluated in a peer-reviewed article.

Question 8

A(n) ______ is a hypothesis that has been widely accepted and extensively and rigorously tested.

A) theory
B) fact
C) explanation
D) definition
E) proof

Question 9

The first step of the scientific process is a(n) __________.

A) prediction
B) hypothesis
C) experiment
D) peer review
E) observation

Question 10

In this chapter it has been made clear that the process used to obtain a body of knowledge (facts and explanations) is more important than the body of knowledge itself. Why is this?

Question 11

Describe the difference between a hypothesis and a scientific theory?

Question 12

Infographic 2.6.
Refer to Infographic 2.6. Taken together, do these two studies prove that lower ozone levels directly cause skin cancer in humans? Why or why not?

Question 13

Peer review is _______________.

A) the process a scientist undergoes to analyze the results of the experiment
B) a measure of how well the report is received by the general public
C) a method for measuring the amount of ozone in the atmosphere
D) a panel of editors who proofread the report after it is accepted for publication
E) a process by which a group of scientists in the field evaluate the report and determine if it is of high enough quality to publish in a journal

Question 14

Which is TRUE regarding the following statements? (1) "Higher levels of greenhouse gases cause increased warming of the troposphere."
(2) "People who are good go to heaven when they die."

A) Both statements are obviously wrong.
B) Both statements have been proven true by long-standing scientific theories.
C) Only statement (1) is a scientific hypothesis testable by scientific methods.
D) Only statement (2) can generate falsifiable predictions.
E) Neither statement is suitable for science.

Question 15

A(n) _____ is a possible explanation for what is observed that is based on some previous knowledge.

A) peer review
B) prediction
C) hypothesis
D) theory
E) anecdote

Question 16

Which of the following statements is NOT falsifiable?

A) Car exhaust contributes to ozone depletion.
B) Iced wings of a plane contribute to some plane crashes.
C) Dogs become tired when they are hungry.
D) People should not litter because it is wrong to do so.
E) All of the above are falsifiable statements.

Question 17

What criteria must be met for a hypothesis to be valid?

Question 18

Which of the following lists the steps of the scientific process in the correct order?

A) observe, create a testable prediction, form a hypothesis, experiment, support or refute the hypothesis
B) observe, form a hypothesis, create a testable prediction, experiment, support or refute the hypothesis
C) form a hypothesis, create a testable prediction, observe, experiment, support or refute the hypothesis
D) create a testable prediction, form a hypothesis, observe, experiment, support or refute the hypothesis
E) None of the above are correct.

Question 19

How would you respond to someone who says, "The hole in the ozone layer being caused by CFCs is just a theory"?

Question 20

Which of the following questions can be solved with empirical evidence?

A) Do ghosts exist?
B) What is the meaning of life?
C) What is my cat thinking?
D) What causes the changing of the seasons?
E) Is the death penalty wrong?

Question 21

Is the following a valid hypothesis? Natural disasters around the world are a result of a supernatural deity punishing humanity for our actions.

Question 22

Why should we care about ozone?

A) It's a dangerous stratospheric pollutant.
B) It protects the Earth's surface from UV-B radiation.
C) It is used in the production of CFCs.
D) It's a major pollutant in our rainwater.
E) It protects the Earth from climate change.

Question 23

Is the following a valid hypothesis? Cancer patients who are prayed for will have better outcomes compared with patients with similar prognoses (likely outcomes) who are not prayed for.

Question 24

What's the difference between "good" and "bad" ozone?

A) Good ozone forms gray smog, and bad ozone forms brown smog.
B) Good ozone resides in the stratosphere and blocks UV-B radiation, whereas bad ozone occurs in the troposphere and is a pollutant.
C) Good ozone resides in the troposphere and blocks UV-B radiation, whereas bad ozone occurs in the stratosphere and is a pollutant.
D) Good ozone resides in the stratosphere and blocks most of the UV-A radiation, whereas bad ozone occurs in the troposphere and causes skin cancer.
E) Good ozone is abbreviated O₃; bad ozone is abbreviated O₂.

Question 25

Ozone-depleting chemicals are most efficient at the poles, both for Arctic and Antarctic regions. The major reason for this is:

A) lots of CFCs are used in polar regions.
B) tourists there pollute the atmosphere.
C) very cold winters.
D) all the ozone is formed over the equator and none reaches the poles.
E) a lack of stringent air pollution laws at the poles.

Question 26

Scientists use the scientific method to investigate the natural world. The scientific method is based on gathering empirical evidence. What is empirical evidence, and why are empirical data a hallmark of good science?

Question 27

What is the chemical formula for ozone?

A) O₂
B) C₂F₂Cl₂
C) SF₆
D) O₃
E) CrO₂Cl₂

Question 28

Explain how the depletion of the ozone layer in the stratosphere is allowing more UV-B radiation to reach the Earth's surface.

Question 29

The ozone layer is located in the ___________.

A) stratosphere
B) troposphere
C) mesosphere
D) thermosphere
E) exosphere

Question 30

Why is the term "ozone hole" misleading?

Question 31

Describe the importance of peer-review to the scientific process.

Question 32

Where in the atmosphere is ozone found?

A) the mesosphere and paleosphere
B) just the troposphere
C) just the stratosphere
D) both the troposphere and stratosphere
E) It is not found in the atmosphere at any level.

Question 33

Which form of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important in the formation of ozone?

A) UV-A
B) UV-B
C) UV-C
D) all of the above
E) none of the above

Question 34

Infographic 2.5.

Refer to Infographic 2.5. What happens to the chlorine atom liberated from chlorine monoxide in the second portion of this figure?

A) It escapes into the thermosphere above.
B) It becomes inert.
C) It sinks back down to the troposphere where it becomes a part of smog pollution.
D) It breaks down many other ozone molecules.
E) It bonds with one additional ozone molecule to make chlorine trioxide.

Question 35

Infographic 2.5.

Refer to Infographic 2.5. Explain chemically how CFCs in the stratosphere are damaging the ozone layer.

Question 36

Infographic 2.3.

Refer to Infographic 2.3. What are the possible outcomes after analyzing the data in the scientific method?

Question 37

Scientists have concluded that increasing levels of _________ were causing the depletion of the ozone layer.

A) methane
B) smog
C) particulates
D) CFCs
E) O₃

Question 38

Infographic 2.1.

Refer to Infographic 2.1. Why is it that the least energetic form of ultraviolet light, UV-A, causes sunburns and skin damage but the most energetic form, UV-C, is of no concern whatsoever?

A) Water vapor in the air filters all but UV-A.
B) CFCs in the air filter all but UV-A.
C) Radiation from the sun is mostly UV-A.
D) UV-A radiation passes through the atmosphere easily, UV-B is absorbed by the stratospheric ozone layer, and UV-C is absorbed by oxygen, O₂.
E) NOx reacts with UV-B and UV-C.

Question 39

Which form of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer? What are the effects of this form of UV radiation on living things?

Question 40

Instruments are used to measure the level of ozone in the stratosphere. These measurements are ________.

A) inferences
B) observations
C) conclusions
D) explanations
E) predictions

Question 41

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between ozone in the stratosphere and the presence of CFCs?

A) Ozone in the stratosphere is broken down by chemicals like CFCs, but as CFCs themselves are broken apart by UV radiation, ozone depletion slows.
B) When CFCs come in contact with ozone in the troposphere, their reaction sometimes causes increased UV radiation to reach Earth's surface.
C) Ozone naturally breaks down in the stratosphere, but substances like CFCs regulate its re-formation so that less harmful UV radiation reaches Earth's surface.
D) Ozone from the stratosphere migrates down to the troposphere where it reacts with chemicals like CFCs to produce more oxygen.
E) Ozone is formed naturally and is broken down in the stratosphere. However, CFCs cause additional ozone breakdown.

Question 42

In an experiment examining the level of UV-B radiation on the incidence of skin cancer, the level of UV-B radiation would be the _____________.

A) independent variable
B) dependent variable
C) non-independent variable
D) control variable
E) extraneous variable

Question 43

In an experimental study, what is TRUE about the independent variable?

A) It shows a response.
B) It is charted on the y-axis (vertical axis).
C) It is what you manipulate.
D) It is what you measure.
E) It is the same for both the control and experimental groups.

Question 44

In an experimental study, what is TRUE about the dependent variable?

A) It is charted on the x-axis (horizontal axis).
B) It only pertains to the experimental group.
C) It is what you manipulate.
D) It is a measured response.
E) It is what can be changed to see if it produces an effect.

Question 45

Susan Solomon used an observational study because:

A) the atmosphere is far too vast and complex to bring into the lab and manipulate in a controlled experimental study.
B) the use of human subjects is not legal in this country.
C) she didn't use an observational study, she used an experimental study.
D) her research was intended as a reconnaissance mission, and she later followed up with an experimental study.
E) there is no such thing as an experimental study; she used the only type of study that can be used: an observational study.

Question 46

Infographic 2.5.

Refer to Infographic 2.5. Does an increase or decrease in the concentration of chlorine monoxide (ClO) in the stratosphere support Solomon's hypothesis that free chlorine molecules (Cl₂) from CFCs would break up into chlorine atoms that destroy ozone?

Question 47

Scientists generally require a level of certainty of at least ______ to be sure their conclusions are correct.

A) 50%
B) 60%
C) 75%
D) 80%
E) 95%

Question 48

Prior to Susan Solomon's experiments, the information available to NASA ozone-modeler Paul Newman led him to believe that the loss of ozone in the Antarctic spring was due to excess solar activity. What was the new information that Solomon discovered that led Newman to reject his hypothesis in favor of her polar cloud hypothesis? Is it possible that Solomon's hypothesis could be rejected in the future?

Question 49

A researcher wants to know how effective a new suntan lotion is at preventing skin cancer caused by UV radiation. She uses mice as test subjects to model the effects for humans. Which of the following is the best control for this experiment?

A) Only mice in the control group are shaded during the experiment.
B) Mice in the test group receive twice as much UV radiation as those in the control group.
C) No suntan lotion is applied to mice in the control group; lotion is only applied to the test group.
D) Mice in the test group are from a genetic line that increases their susceptibility to UV radiation.
E) Mice in the control group are provided lotion in their drinking water to maximize effectiveness.

Question 50

The group in an experimental study that is manipulated such that it differs from the control group in only one way is the _________.

A) confirmation group
B) test group
C) validation group
D) placebo group
E) independent group

Question 51

When conducting an experimental study, scientists manipulate the ________ variable and measure the _____________ variable to see if it is affected.

A) dependent; independent
B) independent; dependent
C) observational; dependent
D) experimental; independent
E) observational; experimental

Question 52

What kind of study, observational or experimental, was Susan Solomon's experiment that provided support for her hypothesis that CFCs were leading to depletion of ozone in the stratosphere?

Question 53

In the following example, what is the independent variable? Hypothesis: Mice on a restricted low-caloric diet will live longer than mice that can eat as much as they want.
Experiment: A large population of genetically identical mice is divided into two groups. Half receive as much food as they care to eat each day. The other half receives 20% less food than a typical mouse eats each day. The day of death (lifespan) is recorded for all mice. All mice live in the same room, in the same type of cage, with access to water.

A) amount of food available
B) volume of water available
C) genetically identical mice
D) happiness of each mouse
E) lifespan of each mouse

Question 54

Studying the effects of CFCs on ozone in the atmosphere is an example of which of the following?

A) manipulative study
B) experimental study
C) theoretical study
D) random study
E) observational study

Question 55

Which type of experiment collects data in the real world, without manipulating the subject of study?

A) experimental
B) anecdotal
C) theoretical
D) observational
E) randomized

Question 56

Which of the following provided support for Solomon's hypothesis that CFCs were contributing to ozone depletion?

A) Ozone-poor air was shown to be lifting and mixing with the stratosphere.?
B) Increased NOₓ levels were observed in the South Pole.
C) NOₓ levels were observed to be decreasing in the South Pole.
D) High levels of ClO were observed in the stratosphere.
E) Both C and D provide support.

Question 57

Which type of study is appropriate for demonstrating the cause-and-effect relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable?

A) anecdotal
B) observational
C) experimental
D) inferential
E) natural

Question 58

Which of the following statements is TRUE of CFCs?

A) A CFC is an industrial chemical that was once used as a refrigerant.
B) A CFC is a type of ultraviolet radiation between UV-A and UV-B.
C) CFCs are used to cook food at the McMurdo research station.
D) CFCs react with water to generate ozone.
E) Both B and C are true.

Question 59

When data are shown in a graph, the independent variable should be plotted on the _______.

A) vertical axis
B) x-axis
C) response
D) ordinate
E) y-axis

Question 60

The multiple lines of evidence in support of the "CFC hypothesis" have elevated it to the status of __________.

A) law
B) theory
C) proof
D) fact
E) rule

Question 61

Which of the following statements about the Montréal Protocol is TRUE?

A) The United Nations set a standard for phasing out ozone depletion, and each country must follow this standard.
B) It is administered by the United Nations and outlines a series of deadlines for cutting back production of CFCs.
C) All developed nations are required by the United Nations to participate in the Montréal Protocol due to the serious global nature of ozone depletion.
D) The United Nations stated that no amendments can be made to this protocol.
E) Once a developing nation has a per capita income of greater than $20,000, that country is mandated to come into compliance with the Montréal Protocol.

Question 62

Infographic 2.6.

Refer to Infographic 2.6. In Menzies et al., what is the independent variable? What is the dependent variable? List as many qualities as possible that should be the same between mice in the two groups (control and test groups). Ideally, what should be the only difference between the two groups of mice?

Question 63

Explain how scientists use probability to apply a level of certainty to their conclusions?

Question 64

What is a correlation, and how does it differ from a cause-and-effect relationship? Give an example of each and note what type of study can provide that information.

Question 65

Infographic 2.6.

Refer to Infographic 2.6. Which study depicted in the infographic provides stronger support for the stated hypothesis? Briefly explain why.

Question 66

Describe the significance of the Montréal Protocol.

Question 67

Apply the precautionary principle to development of a new cancer-fighting drug. What needs to happen before the drug actually reaches consumers? Might some cancer patients be critical of applying the precautionary principle in this case? Why?

Question 68

The health and lifestyle of 10,000 nurses are tracked for a period of 30 years. It is discovered that of the nurses who smoked cigarettes for at least 10 years, 35% had lung cancer. Is this an observational or an experimental study? Does this study demonstrate that cigarettes cause lung cancer?

Question 69

Explain the function of a control group in an experimental study.

Question 70

Infographic 2.6

Refer to Infographic 2.6 In the observational study (Abarca et al.), explain why the time period is the independent variable and the incidence of skin cancer is the dependent variable.

Question 71

Infographic 2.6.

Refer to Infographic 2.6. Design an experimental study to test the hypothesis that lower ozone levels will lead to more cases of skin cancer in humans. Why is it unlikely that this experiment will be carried out? Why did Menzies et al. select rats as test subjects?

Question 72

How can the Montréal Protocol be viewed as a model for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and avoiding a global catastrophe due to the recent changes in global climate attributed to human activities such as fossil fuel combustion?

Question 73

The observation of a decrease in stratospheric ozone didn't come from just a few readings. Explain the importance of replication within a study.

Question 74

When it rains, you often notice people outside holding open umbrellas. You hypothesize that opening an umbrella causes rain to fall. What type of experiment can be used to test this? Explain what is meant by the phrase "correlation is not causation."

Question 75

Suppose you were part of the team of Finnish researchers studying the effects of increased UV-B radiation. Design a simple observational experiment that could lead to data that support or refute your hypothesis.

Question 76

Tests of significance help to determine if an event was due to chance or something else. The probability value is expressed as a p-value. What does it mean to have a p-value equal to 0.05?

Question 77

An ongoing process that allows for altering policy strategies as new information is discovered or the situation itself changes is an example of __________.

A) precautionary principle
B) peer review
C) adaptive management
D) level of certainty
E) innocent until proven guilty

Question 78

In terms of manipulating variables, what is the difference between an observational study and an experimental study? Which type of study can test cause-and-effect relationships?

Question 79

The _______________ was an international treaty, eventually ratified by all countries in 2009, which dealt with the problem of ozone depletion.

A) Quebec Protocol
B) Montréal Protocol
C) CFC Protocol
D) Ozone Plan
E) Global Clean Air Act

Question 80

The precautionary principle states that:

A) once a theory is developed, it is not sound science to change this theory.
B) human subjects must be used only when no harm is done to them.
C) it is best to act in the face of uncertainty when there is a chance that serious consequences might occur.
D) the Montréal Protocol is mandated by the United Nations because ozone depletion is such a serious problem.
E) None of these answers is correct.