Understanding the Scientific Method

Which of the following best describes a hypothesis in the scientific method?

• A detailed procedure for an experiment

• A testable statement predicting the outcome of an experiment

• A summary of the results of an experiment

• A variable that is kept constant during an experiment

Answer explanation

A hypothesis in the scientific method is a testable statement predicting the outcome of an experiment, making it the best description among the options provided.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

In an experiment to test the effect of light on plant growth, what is the independent variable?

• The amount of water given to the plants

• The type of soil used

• The amount of light the plants receive

• The height of the plants

Answer explanation

In an experiment to test the effect of light on plant growth, the independent variable is the amount of light the plants receive.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following is an example of a qualitative observation?

• The plant grew 5 cm in one week

• The solution turned blue

• The temperature increased by 10 degrees Celsius

• The mass of the object is 50 grams

Answer explanation

The solution turned blue is an example of a qualitative observation as it describes a characteristic without using numerical data.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

• To test multiple variables at once

• To serve as a standard for comparison

• To ensure the experiment is valid

• To increase the sample size

Answer explanation

The purpose of a control group in an experiment is to serve as a standard for comparison.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between correlation and causation?

• Correlation implies causation

• Causation implies correlation

• Correlation and causation are the same

• Correlation does not imply causation

Answer explanation

Correlation does not imply causation

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

In an experiment, what is the dependent variable?

• The variable that is changed or controlled

• The variable that is measured or observed

• The variable that remains constant

• The variable that is not used

Answer explanation

The dependent variable is the variable that is measured or observed in an experiment. It is the outcome that is being studied or tested.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following best describes the term "validity" in the context of an experiment?

• The accuracy of the measurements

• The consistency of the results

• The extent to which the experiment measures what it is supposed to measure

• The number of trials conducted

Answer explanation

The extent to which the experiment measures what it is supposed to measure

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following is an example of a quantitative observation?

• The liquid is clear

• The metal is shiny

• The temperature is 25 degrees Celsius

• The solution has a strong odor

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The temperature is 25 degrees Celsius' because it provides a specific numerical value, making it a quantitative observation.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What does it mean for a measurement to be precise?

• It is close to the true value

• It is consistent and repeatable

• It is taken with a high-quality instrument

• It is recorded to many decimal places

Answer explanation

For a measurement to be precise, it means that it is consistent and repeatable, ensuring that the results are reliable and not influenced by random errors.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

In an experiment, why is it important to control variables?

• To ensure the results are due to the independent variable

• To make the experiment more complex

• To increase the number of observations

• To reduce the time needed for the experiment

Answer explanation

To ensure the results are due to the independent variable

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept