Question

i observe that squirrels that live in the southeastern united states are much thinner than squirrels that live in the northeastern part of the country. i theorize that this is because the squirrels that live in the northeast have greater fat reserves for the winter months when food is scarce. is this a scientific theory?
a yes, it is a good educated guess.
b yes, i am taking into consideration physiological reasons for their larger size, so it’s scientific.
c no, it’s just a hypothesis; it has not been proven to be true through extensive experimentation or quantification.
d no, it cannot be proven true.
e yes, i theorized it so it qualifies as a theory.

question 19
2.5 points
statistical significance:
a indicates a high likelihood that your results are due to your treatment versus due to chance.
b is more likely to be reliable if you have a small sample size versus a large sample size.
c is a requirement of the data from a scientific experiment.
d indicates that the hypothesis should be rejected.
e depends on large data sets.

Explanation:

First Question (About Scientific Theory)

A scientific theory is well - supported by extensive evidence from experiments, observations, and quantification. The statement about squirrels is a hypothesis as it's an educated guess without extensive proof. Option A is wrong as a theory needs more than a good guess. Option B is wrong as just considering physiological reasons doesn't make it a theory. Option D is wrong as many scientific theories can be proven (or supported) with evidence. Option E is wrong as just theorizing doesn't make it a theory. Option C is correct as it's a hypothesis without extensive proof.

Statistical significance means that the results are likely due to the treatment (or variable of interest) rather than chance. Option B is wrong as larger sample sizes are better for reliable significance. Option C is wrong as not all scientific experiments require statistical significance (e.g., some descriptive studies). Option D is wrong as statistical significance can support a hypothesis. Option E is wrong as significance can be found in small datasets with strong effects. Option A matches the definition.

Answer:

C. No, it’s just a hypothesis; it has not been proven to be true through extensive experimentation or quantification.

Question 19 (About Statistical Significance)