Evidence — Science definition

Defined in 3 courses:

Where it is taught

In use

The two main lines of evidence are earthquake waves and mass.

Inside Earth: Layers & Indirect Evidence

His evidence was strong and his colleagues largely rejected it, partly because he could not say what was being transferred — germ theory was still decades away.

Models, Claims, Evidence & Reasoning

At this level, use recurring patterns as evidence for a prediction and check actual data before calling the prediction certain.

The Periodic Table

Questions using evidence

Problem 1

Develop a complete response: Explain what the measurements show and why sunlight alone is not established as the cause. Include relevant evidence and one method or model limit.
Answer and explanation

The sunny tray lost 4 g more in the hour, but sunlight and surface area both differ. Greater exposed area could also affect evaporation. Use identical trays with equal water amounts and matched timing, varying only the intended exposure. The present evidence describes a difference without isolating its cause.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 2

Which statement correctly uses observation in Scientific Inquiry: Questions, Evidence & Explanations?
  1. observation: A recorded detection or measurement under a stated method.
  2. A plausible explanation is automatically a directly observed fact.
  3. Every scientific investigation must follow exactly the same steps.
  4. One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation

observation: A recorded detection or measurement under a stated method.

A recorded detection or measurement under a stated method. The sunny tray lost 4 g more in the hour, but sunlight and surface area both differ. Greater exposed area could also affect evaporation. Use identical trays with equal water amounts and matched timing, varying only the intended exposure. The present evidence describes a difference without isolating its cause.

Problem 3

Which statement correctly uses inference in Scientific Inquiry: Questions, Evidence & Explanations?
  1. A plausible explanation is automatically a directly observed fact.
  2. inference: A reasoned interpretation of observations rather than the observation itself.
  3. Every scientific investigation must follow exactly the same steps.
  4. One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation

inference: A reasoned interpretation of observations rather than the observation itself.

A reasoned interpretation of observations rather than the observation itself. The sunny tray lost 4 g more in the hour, but sunlight and surface area both differ. Greater exposed area could also affect evaporation. Use identical trays with equal water amounts and matched timing, varying only the intended exposure. The present evidence describes a difference without isolating its cause.

Problem 4

Which statement is scientifically accurate for Scientific Inquiry: Questions, Evidence & Explanations?
  1. Every scientific investigation must follow exactly the same steps.
  2. A plausible explanation is automatically a directly observed fact.
  3. observation: A recorded detection or measurement under a stated method.
  4. Every classroom model reproduces reality exactly.
Answer and explanation

observation: A recorded detection or measurement under a stated method.

A recorded detection or measurement under a stated method. The sunny tray lost 4 g more in the hour, but sunlight and surface area both differ. Greater exposed area could also affect evaporation. Use identical trays with equal water amounts and matched timing, varying only the intended exposure. The present evidence describes a difference without isolating its cause.

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