Evaluating Experimental and Engineering Designs

Which of the following best defines an experimental design?

• A plan for building a physical structure

• A structured procedure to test a scientific hypothesis

• A list of engineering materials

• A summary of research findings

Answer explanation

An experimental design is best defined as a structured procedure to test a scientific hypothesis, as it outlines the methods and processes for conducting experiments to validate or refute a hypothesis.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-5

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

NGSS.HS-PS1-3

What is the primary purpose of data collection in an experiment?

• To create a hypothesis

• To gather evidence to support or refute a hypothesis

• To design a new product

• To write a conclusion

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of data collection in an experiment is to gather evidence to support or refute a hypothesis. This evidence helps validate or challenge the initial assumptions made by the researcher.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-5

Which term refers to the factor that is changed or manipulated in an experiment?

• Dependent variable

• Independent variable

• Control variable

• Constant

Answer explanation

The term 'independent variable' refers to the factor that is changed or manipulated in an experiment. It is the variable that researchers control to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

In engineering design, what is the first step in the process?

• Building a prototype

• Defining the engineering problem

• Collecting data

• Analyzing results

Answer explanation

The first step in engineering design is defining the engineering problem. This step clarifies the objectives and constraints, guiding the entire design process and ensuring that subsequent actions are relevant and effective.

Which of the following is a key characteristic of a valid scientific conclusion?

• It is based on personal opinion

• It is supported by data and evidence

• It ignores the data collected

• It is unrelated to the hypothesis

Answer explanation

A valid scientific conclusion must be supported by data and evidence, ensuring it is based on objective findings rather than personal opinion or unrelated to the hypothesis.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

Which aspect is most important when evaluating the quality of a scientific research question?

• The length of the question

• The clarity and focus of the question

• The number of words used

• The use of technical jargon

Answer explanation

The clarity and focus of the question are crucial for guiding research. A well-defined question helps in formulating hypotheses and designing experiments, ensuring that the research is relevant and targeted.

Why is it important to have a clear engineering problem statement before designing a solution?

• It helps in choosing random materials

• It guides the design process and ensures the solution addresses the actual need

• It allows skipping the testing phase

• It makes the design more expensive

Answer explanation

A clear engineering problem statement is crucial as it guides the design process, ensuring that the solution effectively addresses the actual need rather than leading to random choices or unnecessary expenses.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

NGSS.HS-ETS1-2

How does the quality of data analysis design affect the outcome of an experiment?

• It determines the color of the results

• It ensures that the data is interpreted correctly to draw valid conclusions

• It increases the number of variables

• It reduces the need for data collection

Answer explanation

The quality of data analysis design is crucial as it ensures that the data is interpreted correctly, allowing researchers to draw valid conclusions from the experiment. Poor design can lead to misleading results.

A student is reviewing an experiment and notices that the data analysis does not match the data collected. What should the student conclude about the experiment?

• The experiment is valid

• The conclusions may not be valid due to poor data analysis

• The experiment should be ignored

• The hypothesis is always correct

Answer explanation

The mismatch between data analysis and collected data suggests that the conclusions drawn may be flawed. This indicates potential issues in data analysis, making the correct choice that the conclusions may not be valid.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-4

You are tasked with evaluating two engineering designs for a water filtration system. Design A uses evidence from multiple tests to support its effectiveness, while Design B does not. Which design is more likely to be valid and why?

• Design B, because it is simpler

• Design A, because it uses valid evidence to support its effectiveness

• Both are equally valid

• Design B, because it is less expensive

Answer explanation

Design A is more likely to be valid because it relies on evidence from multiple tests, demonstrating its effectiveness. In contrast, Design B lacks supporting evidence, making it less reliable.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3