BIO 201 Exam | Questions and Answers with Verified Solutions | Latest
2026 Update
Q: well-tested & substantiated explanation, stable but can change (most impt in science)
Answer:
Theory
Q: descriptive generalization about nature, can be used to make predictions, stable but can
change, describe but don't explain
Answer:
Law
Q: no meaning bc all science is tentative & can't be proven (in math, proof is possible through
logic)
Answer:
Proof
Q: statement that can be falsified. Not a question
Answer:
Hypothesis
Q: no such thing as a "scientific method." there are multiple, different ways of generating
evidence-based understanding
Answer:
Scientific method
Q: tool (physical, conceptual, or mathematical) that's used to advance scientific understanding of
phenomenon by user of the tool
Answer:
Model
Q: use of claims, evidence, reasoning (CER) to convince others
Answer:
Argument (argumentation)
, Q: observable features of natural world that occur repeatedly
Answer:
Pattern
Q: causal accounts of WHY smth happens
Answer:
Scientific explanation
Q: tangible things to advance understanding
Answer:
Physical models (real world)
Q: drawings or diagrams used to advance understanding
Answer:
Conceptual models (virtual)
Q: copying smth but doesn't advance understanding
Answer:
Diagram
Q: uses numerical symbols to advance understanding
Answer:
Mathematical models (virtual)
Q: tests for relationships between variables
Answer:
Association study
Q: tests for differences in 1+ variables between 2+ conditions/groups
Answer:
Comparison study
Q: tests for causal relationship by randomizing units to 2+ conditions (treatment & control)
Answer:
Causation
(true) study
Q: test occurs in real world
Answer:
Natural experiment
2026 Update
Q: well-tested & substantiated explanation, stable but can change (most impt in science)
Answer:
Theory
Q: descriptive generalization about nature, can be used to make predictions, stable but can
change, describe but don't explain
Answer:
Law
Q: no meaning bc all science is tentative & can't be proven (in math, proof is possible through
logic)
Answer:
Proof
Q: statement that can be falsified. Not a question
Answer:
Hypothesis
Q: no such thing as a "scientific method." there are multiple, different ways of generating
evidence-based understanding
Answer:
Scientific method
Q: tool (physical, conceptual, or mathematical) that's used to advance scientific understanding of
phenomenon by user of the tool
Answer:
Model
Q: use of claims, evidence, reasoning (CER) to convince others
Answer:
Argument (argumentation)
, Q: observable features of natural world that occur repeatedly
Answer:
Pattern
Q: causal accounts of WHY smth happens
Answer:
Scientific explanation
Q: tangible things to advance understanding
Answer:
Physical models (real world)
Q: drawings or diagrams used to advance understanding
Answer:
Conceptual models (virtual)
Q: copying smth but doesn't advance understanding
Answer:
Diagram
Q: uses numerical symbols to advance understanding
Answer:
Mathematical models (virtual)
Q: tests for relationships between variables
Answer:
Association study
Q: tests for differences in 1+ variables between 2+ conditions/groups
Answer:
Comparison study
Q: tests for causal relationship by randomizing units to 2+ conditions (treatment & control)
Answer:
Causation
(true) study
Q: test occurs in real world
Answer:
Natural experiment
