Scientific Method and Experimental Error

What are the steps of the scientific method?

• Observation, theory, conclusion, analysis

• Prediction, observation, conclusion, hypothesis

• The steps of the scientific method are: observation, question, hypothesis, prediction, experiment, analysis, and conclusion.

• Question, analysis, experiment, theory

How can experimental errors be minimized in an experiment?

• Conducting the experiment in a noisy environment, not using proper controls, and not repeating the experiment

• Ignoring safety protocols, using imprecise measurement tools, and not recording the data accurately

• Guessing the results, using outdated equipment, and not following the experimental procedure

• Using proper controls, repeating the experiment multiple times, and using precise measurement tools

Why is a control group important in an experiment?

• To provide a baseline for comparison

• To make the experiment more complicated

• To waste time and resources

• To confuse the results

How do you interpret experimental data to draw conclusions?

• Analyze the results and compare with previous knowledge or theories

• Ignore the data

• Guess randomly

• Ask someone else to interpret the data

Explain the process of forming a hypothesis in the scientific method.

• Flipping a coin to make a decision

• Making an educated guess or prediction based on observations and research.

• Consulting a psychic for guidance

• Choosing the answer that sounds the most interesting

What are some examples of systematic errors in experiments?

• Human error

• Random errors

• Perfect experimental conditions

• Flaws in the experimental design, equipment, or procedures

Why is it important to only change one variable at a time in an experiment?

• To understand the specific impact of each variable on the experiment's outcome.

• To confuse the results

• To save time and resources

• To make the experiment more complicated

What are some common sources of random errors in experiments?

• Alien interference, supernatural forces, government conspiracy

• Environmental changes, human error, equipment limitations

If John was wanted to see what color of light plants grow under the best which of these would be a variable in the experiment.

• The type of plant

• Height of the plant

• Color of the light the plant is in

• How much water you give it

• All of these answers

An experiment is performed on plants to see how different liquids affect plant growth. Each plant in the experiment is given a different liquid; water, apple juice, or milk. Each plant has the same amount of soil, sunlight, and listens to the same music. In this investigation, the independent variable is ...

• The type of plant
• The amount of sunlight
• The type of music
• The type of liquid