People use scientific language frequently in their everyday speech. For example, someone may say they have a theory that the next bubble gum ball to drop from the vending machine will be blue. This is not a scientifically correct use of the word “theory”.
In each of the statements below, the bold word is used in a way that is not scientifically accurate. Identify how each of the bold words is used incorrectly.
- My hypothesis is that if I hear creaking sounds at night, then I have a ghost in my house, because my house is haunted.
- My theory is that dogs are smarter than cats.
- In my opinion, it is 75 degrees outside today.
- I do not believe in evolution, because it is just a theory.
- Because global warming is just an opinion held by some politicians and scientists, teachers should not have to teach about it in school.
- The scientists proved their hypothesis about ocean pH in that experiment.
Additionally, answer the following questions:
- In your own words, define the word opinion. Think of an example statement that is a opinion. Describe why your example is an opinion.
- In your own words, define the word hypothesis. Think of an example statement that is a hypothesis. Describe why your example is a hypothesis.
- In your own words, define the word theory. Think of an example of a theory. Describe why your example is a theory.