Scientific Method and Identifying Variables Quiz

What is the primary purpose of identifying variables in an experiment?

• To make the experiment more complicated

• To determine what will be manipulated and measured

• To confuse the experimenter

• To use more scientific terms

In a valid experiment, how many manipulated variables should there be?

• As many as possible

• Two

• One

• Zero

What is another term for the manipulated variable?

• Dependent variable

• Independent variable

• Controlled variable

• Constant variable

Which of the following best describes the dependent variable?

• The variable that is changed by the experimenter

• The variable that remains constant

• The variable that is measured or observed

• The variable that has no effect on the experiment

In the statement "A lack of sleep can make you gain weight," what is the independent variable?

• Weight gain

• Lack of sleep

• Time of day

• Age of the person

Which of the following is NOT true about variables in an experiment?

• The independent variable is manipulated

• The dependent variable is measured

• There can be multiple independent variables in a valid experiment

• The dependent variable may change as a result of the independent variable

In the example "Tomato plants grown with music have more tomatoes," what is the dependent variable?

• The type of music played

• The number of tomatoes per plant

What is the independent variable in the statement "Fish oil in your diet will improve your memory"?

• Memory improvement

• Diet

• Consumption of fish oil

• Performance on memory tests

In the experiment "Trout raised in cold water weigh more than trout raised in warm water," what is being measured?

• The temperature of the water

• The type of trout

• The weight of the trout

• The size of the water tank

Why is it important to have only one manipulated variable in an experiment?

• To make the experiment easier to conduct

• To ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable

• To use less equipment

• To finish the experiment faster