Final answer:
The quickest way to define something is by using synonyms. In 'doing science,' making observations of wildlife while hiking is the best example. Maximum parsimony in science favors the simplest explanations, analogous to hikers using established trails.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the given options, the quickest way to define something is C. by using synonyms. Synonyms are words or phrases that mean nearly the same as the term in question, which offers an immediate understanding. Etymology, classification, and narration take longer as they involve explaining the origin of the word, organizing it into a structured system, or telling a story, respectively.
CHAPTER SUMMARY REVIEW
When considering the best example of “doing science,” D. making observations of wildlife while hiking in the woods is the most active and investigative approach. This aligns closely with the scientific method, which begins with observations that lead to inquiries and potentially to hypotheses and experiments.
In the context of scientific methods:
- A. a controlled experiment is a methodical trial where one variable is altered while others are kept constant.
- B. an observational study collects data without manipulation of variables.
- C. the development of a hypothesis is formulating a testable prediction based on observations.
- D. an observation is noting and recording phenomena, which serves as the foundation of scientific inquiry.
The concept of maximum parsimony suggests that in science, the simplest explanation or pathway is often considered the best. Applying this to a real-world scenario, we would predict that hikers will likely use established trails rather than create new paths through a forest preserve.