Revising Explanations Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What does it mean to revise a scientific explanation?

It means to change or update it when new evidence shows parts are wrong or incomplete.

Give two reasons why scientists might think an explanation needs changing.

Because new evidence appears, or because some results do not fit the old idea.

What is meant by an anomalous result?

It is a result that does not fit the pattern of the other results.

What is the first thing scientists usually do when they see an anomalous result?

They check for errors and repeat the test to see if it happens again.

When can a new explanation replace an old one?

When it explains all the old evidence as well as the new evidence better.

Why are explanations with lots of strong evidence harder to change?

Because many tests have supported them, so new ideas must have very strong evidence.

How can new technology cause scientists to revise explanations?

It can give more accurate measurements or show things they could not see before.

What is a prediction in science?

It is a statement about what you expect to happen if an explanation is right.

How do predictions help scientists improve explanations?

If predictions are wrong, scientists know the explanation needs changing.

Why might some scientists not accept a new explanation straight away?

They may want more evidence, or the new idea may clash with their own work.