Research Methods Description in Scientific Research: Observations and multiple working hypotheses by Anne E. Egger, Ph.D., Anthony Carpi, Ph.D. Reading Quiz Teach with this 1. Why is G.K. Gilbert's drawing, shown below, considered a hypothesis about the formation of the Henry Mountains? In descriptive research, sketches are often used in place of data. Gilbert summarized his data and suggested a cause for mountain formation in the sketch. He made the hypothesis before he went to the Henry Mountains to collect any data. Gilbert planned to perform an experiment that looked like the drawing. 2. Taking measurements of CO2 concentrations in an ice core from Antarctica is considered descriptive scientific research because the data are quantitative. the data have been validated by other ice cores. there was no manipulation of variables. the measurements go back 650,000 years. 3. Description is often used in conjunction with other research methods, including experimentation, modeling, and comparison. Why is this the case? Description is the easiest scientific research method. Systematic observations are necessary in all research methods. Description can't stand alone as a research method. All of the answers are correct. 4. A descriptive study of the impacts of hurricane-force winds on a new home would include a survey of a group of homes following a recent hurricane. an analysis of the damage done to a similar home in a wind tunnel. a review of building codes in the community where the home is located. a calculation of the force needed to cause mechanical failure of the walls of the home. 5. In order to be useful in scientific research, descriptions must be quantitative. highly detailed. systematic and rigorous. made by a scientist. 6. In order to use description as a research method, a scientist must manipulate variables. true false 7. Scientists have been able to use historical descriptions of events like the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius to conduct scientific investigations because the amount of data for historical events is significant. the descriptions are detailed and systematic, even if they weren't made by scientists. the people who wrote descriptions were all scientists. they are descriptions of events that were witnessed first-hand, so they are accurate. Score Quiz
