SEP Intro: Methods of Investigation

Match the following types of investigations with their purposes:

• Used to describe characteristics of a population

• Observational

• Used to compare two or more groups

• Descriptive

• Used to determine causal relationships

• Comparative

• Used to observe and record behavior

• Experimental

In which type of investigation are control variables used?

• Descriptive

• Comparative

• Experimental

• Qualitative

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What is the dependent variable in a comparative investigation?

• The variable that is manipulated

• The variable that is observed

• The control variable

• The independent variable

Which type of investigation involves comparing similarities and differences over time and under various circumstances?

• Descriptive

• Comparative

• Experimental

• Qualitative

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

What is a control variable?

• A variable that is manipulated

• A variable that is observed

• A factor that is controlled or held constant

• A factor that is changed during the experiment

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Which type of investigation does not involve variables?

• Descriptive

• Comparative

• Experimental

• All of the above

What is the independent variable in an investigation?

• The variable that is manipulated

• The variable that is observed

• The control variable

• The dependent variable

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What is a scientific question?

• A) A question that can be empirically tested and leads to explanations of the natural and designed world.

• B) A question that cannot be tested and is based on opinions.

• C) A question that only involves mathematical calculations.

• D) A question that is purely theoretical and does not require evidence.

What is the independent variable in the experiment described in the image?

• A) The plant height.

• B) The light color.

• C) The amount of water.

• D) The distance from the light.

Which of the following is a control variable in the experiment described?

• A) The plant height.

• B) The light color.

• C) The distance from the light.

• D) The type of plant.