Exploring the Scientific Method

What is the first step in the scientific method?

• Formulating a hypothesis

• Making an observation

Which of the following best defines a hypothesis?

• An educated guess that can be tested

• A question that initiates research

What is the purpose of an experiment in the scientific method?

• To demonstrate known facts

• To collect data to support or refute a hypothesis

In an experiment, the factor that is changed or manipulated is known as the:

• Independent variable

• Dependent variable

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a well-designed experiment?

• It lacks a control group

• It has a large sample size

What is the role of the control group in an experiment?

• To be the group where the independent variable is changed

• To be used for comparison with the experimental group

Which of the following is an example of qualitative data?

• There were 150 bacteria cells

• The solution turned blue

What does it mean to analyze data in the context of the scientific method?

• To interpret the results and determine if they support the hypothesis

• To design an experiment

If your hypothesis is not supported by the experimental data, what should you do next?

• Conclude that the hypothesis is true anyway

• Modify the hypothesis and conduct a new experiment

In an experiment, the variables that are kept the same in all groups to prevent them from affecting the outcome are called:

• Experimental variables

• Control variables