Question

Which statements describe the process of scientific inquiry? Check all that apply.

Scientific inquiry often involves similar processes and practices.
Scientific inquiry is done for different reasons.
Scientific inquiry is used only by scientists.
Scientific inquiry is a process of asking and answering questions.
Scientific inquiry has only one correct pathway.
Scientific inquiry involves performing investigations and collecting data.

Answer 1

Correct statements:
- Scientific inquiry often involves similar processes and practices. (True — scientists use recurring methods like asking questions, designing investigations, analyzing data.)
- Scientific inquiry is done for different reasons. (True — it can aim to explain phenomena, test ideas, solve problems, or inform decisions.)
- Scientific inquiry is a process of asking and answering questions. (True — posing questions and seeking evidence-based answers is central.)
- Scientific inquiry involves performing investigations and collecting data. (True — experiments, observations, and measurements provide the evidence.)

Incorrect statements:
- Scientific inquiry is used only by scientists. (False — non-scientists also use inquiry skills in everyday problem solving and other disciplines.)
- Scientific inquiry has only one correct pathway. (False — there are many valid approaches and iterative, flexible pathways in inquiry.)