Question

your experiment shows inconsistent data for the same condition. which reasoning best explains how to improve reliability? * 3 points
○ increase the number of variables
○ eliminate all controls
○ repeat the trials and average the results
○ change your conclusion to match your prediction

which of the following best explains why a scientific law is different from a scientific theory? * 2 points
○ laws describe observed patterns; theories explain why those patterns occur, often supported by experimental evidence.
○ laws are unchangeable facts, while theories are opinions that scientists hold.
○ theories become laws when proven correct by repeated experiments.
○ theories describe simple relationships, while laws describe complex systems.

Explanation:

First Question (3 points)

• "Increase the number of variables" would add complexity and likely reduce reliability, so it's incorrect.
• "Eliminate all controls" would make the experiment less valid and reliable, so it's incorrect.
• "Repeat the trials and average the results" helps reduce random errors and improve the reliability of experimental data by getting a more consistent and accurate result from multiple trials.
• "Change your conclusion to match your prediction" is unethical and goes against scientific method, so it's incorrect.

• "Laws describe observed patterns; theories explain why those patterns occur, often supported by experimental evidence." This is correct. Scientific laws summarize observed patterns (e.g., Newton's law of gravitation describes how objects attract), while theories (e.g., the theory of plate tectonics) explain the underlying mechanisms.
• "Laws are unchangeable facts, while theories are opinions that scientists hold." Theories are well - supported explanations, not just opinions, and laws can be refined with new evidence, so this is incorrect.
• "Theories become laws when proven correct by repeated experiments." Theories and laws are different types of scientific knowledge; a theory does not become a law, so this is incorrect.
• "Theories describe simple relationships, while laws describe complex systems." This is the opposite of the correct relationship; laws often describe simple relationships (e.g., $F = ma$), and theories explain complex systems, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Repeat the trials and average the results

Second Question (2 points)