AKU MBBS Admission Test Science Reasoning Syllabus

What is a testable hypothesis?

A specific, falsifiable predictive statement about the relationship between variables that can be supported or refuted by experiment.

What is the difference between a null hypothesis and an alternative hypothesis?

The null hypothesis states there is no effect/difference; the alternative hypothesis states there is a real effect or relationship.

What makes a sample size adequate when evaluating an experimental method?

A sample large enough to reduce random error and allow results to be representative and statistically reliable.

Why is randomization used in assigning subjects to experimental groups?

To eliminate selection bias and evenly distribute confounding variables across groups.

What is a confounding variable, and why is it a problem?

An uncontrolled variable that changes with the independent variable and offers an alternative explanation for the results, undermining validity.

What does it mean for an experiment to have a 'fair test' design?

Only the independent variable changes while all other relevant variables are controlled, so any effect can be attributed to that variable.

What is the difference between accuracy and precision in measurements?

Accuracy is closeness to the true value; precision is the closeness/reproducibility of repeated measurements to each other.

What is the difference between a valid conclusion and an invalid conclusion?

A valid conclusion is supported by and stays within the limits of the data; an invalid conclusion goes beyond the evidence or ignores it.

Why does correlation not necessarily imply causation?

Two variables can change together due to coincidence, reverse causation, or a third (confounding) variable rather than one causing the other.

What three conditions strengthen a cause-and-effect claim?

The cause precedes the effect (temporal order), they are correlated, and alternative explanations/confounders are ruled out.

In pattern recognition, what is a periodic (cyclical) pattern in data?

A pattern that repeats at regular intervals, such as seasonal or oscillating data.

What does an exponential growth pattern look like in data, and what characterizes it?

A curve that rises increasingly steeply; the rate of increase is proportional to the current value (constant doubling time).

When predicting an outcome from a data trend, what assumption are you making?

That the existing relationship/pattern continues unchanged under the new conditions (the trend remains valid beyond observed data).

If an enzyme reaction rate increases with temperature then sharply drops, what outcome do you predict at very high temperature, and why?

The rate approaches zero because the enzyme denatures (loses its active-site shape) above its optimum temperature.

When comparing two competing hypotheses, which one should be preferred when both fit the data equally?

The simpler one that requires fewer assumptions (parsimony / Occam's razor), provided it explains all the evidence.

What kind of evidence is needed to favour one competing hypothesis over another?

A result that one hypothesis predicts but the other does not — a discriminating/critical test that distinguishes between them.

What is an assumption in the context of an experiment or argument?

An unstated premise taken to be true that is necessary for the conclusion to hold.

How can you identify a hidden assumption in a scientific argument?

Find the unstated condition that must be true for the evidence to actually support the conclusion; negating it would break the argument.

When weighing evidence, what makes one piece of evidence stronger than another?

Larger, controlled, replicated, unbiased, and directly relevant studies provide stronger evidence than small, uncontrolled, anecdotal ones.

What is the value of independent replication of an experiment?

Reproducible results by different researchers increase confidence that findings are real and not due to error, bias, or chance.

In Science Reasoning, what does a result 'consistent with' a hypothesis mean versus 'proving' it?

'Consistent with' means the data do not contradict the hypothesis; science supports but cannot absolutely prove hypotheses, only fail to refute them.

Applying biology: in a novel organism, if a substance blocks ATP production, what general outcome is predicted for energy-requiring processes?

Active processes (e.g. active transport, muscle contraction, synthesis) slow or stop because they depend on ATP as the energy source.

Applying biology: if a mutation disables a tumour-suppressor gene, what outcome is predicted for cell division?

Cell division becomes uncontrolled, increasing the risk of tumour formation.

Applying biology: in a novel context, how would you predict the effect of removing all decomposers from an ecosystem?

Nutrients become locked in dead matter, nutrient recycling stops, and producers eventually suffer from nutrient depletion.

Applying biology: predict the effect on diffusion rate if the surface area of an exchange surface is increased.

Diffusion rate increases, because rate of diffusion is proportional to surface area (Fick's principle).

Applying chemistry: by Le Chatelier's principle, what happens to an exothermic equilibrium when temperature is increased?

The equilibrium shifts toward the reactants (backward), reducing product yield.

Applying chemistry: predict the effect on reaction rate of increasing reactant concentration, using collision theory.

Reaction rate increases because more frequent collisions between reactant particles occur per unit time.

Applying chemistry: how does a catalyst change the rate and the activation energy of a reaction?

It increases the rate by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy, without being consumed.

Applying physics: using v = d/t, predict how travel time changes if speed doubles over the same distance.

Travel time halves, since time is inversely proportional to speed for a fixed distance.

Applying physics: using Ohm's law (V = IR), predict the effect on current if voltage is constant and resistance is doubled.

Current halves, because current is inversely proportional to resistance at constant voltage.