Scientific Research Quiz from Khan

What is a hypothesis in scientific research?

• A hypothesis is a proven fact that explains a scientific phenomenon.

• A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the outcome of an experiment.

• A hypothesis is a detailed description of an experiment's procedure.

• A hypothesis is a summary of the results of an experiment.

Answer explanation

A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the outcome of an experiment, guiding research. It is not a proven fact, a procedure description, or a summary of results, making the second choice the correct definition.

Why is it important to repeat experiments in scientific research?

• To make the experiment more interesting.

• To confuse the participants in the experiment.

• To increase the cost of the experiment.

• To ensure that the results are reliable and not due to random chance.

Answer explanation

Repeating experiments is crucial in scientific research to verify that results are consistent and not influenced by random chance, ensuring the reliability and validity of the findings.

What is an independent variable in an experiment?

• The variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment.

• The variable that is measured in a scientific experiment.

• The variable that remains constant in a scientific experiment.

• The variable that is used as a reference in a scientific experiment.

Answer explanation

The independent variable is the one that is changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable. This choice correctly identifies the role of the independent variable in scientific research.

What is a dependent variable in an experiment?

• The variable that is changed or controlled in an experiment.

• The variable that remains constant in an experiment.

• The variable that is measured and affected in an experiment.

• The variable that is used as a reference in an experiment.

Answer explanation

The dependent variable is the one that is measured and affected in an experiment. It responds to changes in the independent variable, making it crucial for assessing the outcome of the experiment.

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

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Answer explanation

The control group serves as a baseline in an experiment, allowing researchers to compare results against the experimental group. It helps isolate the effect of the independent variable by ensuring that other factors remain constant.

What is empirical evidence in scientific research?

• The hypothesis of the experiment.

• The conclusion drawn from the experiment.

• Observations and data collected during an experiment.

• The procedure followed during the experiment.

Answer explanation

Empirical evidence refers to the observations and data collected during an experiment. This evidence is crucial for validating or refuting a hypothesis, making it the foundation of scientific research.

What is a scientific theory?

• A scientific theory is a guess about how something works.

• A scientific theory is a hypothesis that has been proven true.

• A scientific theory is a law that describes a natural phenomenon.

• A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.

Answer explanation

A scientific theory is not just a guess or a proven hypothesis; it is a well-substantiated explanation based on evidence and observations that describes aspects of the natural world, making it the correct choice.

What is a scientific law?

• A scientific law describes a pattern or an event in nature that is always true.

• A scientific law is a hypothesis that has been proven true.

• A scientific law is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.

• A scientific law is a guess about how something works.

Answer explanation

A scientific law describes a consistent pattern or event in nature that is universally true, unlike a hypothesis or theory, which may not be proven or universally applicable.

Why is it important to have a detailed procedure in an experiment?

• To make the experiment more complex.

• To ensure that the experiment can be replicated and verified by others.

• To confuse the participants in the experiment.

• To increase the length of the experiment.

Answer explanation

Having a detailed procedure is crucial because it allows other researchers to replicate the experiment and verify the results, ensuring the findings are reliable and valid.

What is observation in the context of scientific research?

• The process of forming a hypothesis.

• The process of drawing a conclusion.

• The process of analyzing data.

• The process of using one or more of your senses to gather information.

Answer explanation

Observation in scientific research refers to the process of using one or more of your senses to gather information. This is the foundational step that leads to forming hypotheses and drawing conclusions.