Repetition

Cara read an article on why repetition and replication are so important, but she did not understand the difference between them. Which of the following best explains the two terms?

• a. Repetition is when a scientist repeats an experiment; replication is when a scientist conducts an experiment on genetic material.

• b. Repetition is when a scientist does the same experiment a number of times; replication is when other scientists reproduce a scientist’s experiment.

• c. Repetition is when a scientist publishes in more than one scientific periodical; replication is when another scientist reproduces another scientist’s results.

• d. Repetition is when a scientist commits an error in an experiment the first time and must repeat it; replication is when a scientist repeats an experiment to make sure it is valid.

Scientists repeat scientific studies to validate results

• True

• False

Scientists frequently repeat the experiments of others scientists. Why is this important in science?

• a. Scientists often ask each other for help in performing experiments.

• b. Replication of experiments helps to confirm and verify results.

• c. Scientists frequently perform other scientists’ experiments in order to practice their technique.

• d. Repeating experiments is an effective way to make sure a laboratory is in optimal condition.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

Experiments are often repeated many times by the same or different scientists. What is the most important reason more than one scientist should conduct an investigation using the same methods?

• a

• b

• c

• d

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

NGSS.HS-PS2-5

What is the purpose of replication in scientific experiments?

• To use up leftover materials from the experiment

• To ensure that the results are due to the variables being tested and not other factors

• To make the experiment easier to perform

• To prove the hypothesis without any doubt

Answer explanation

Replication in scientific experiments is done to ensure that the results are due to the variables being tested and not other factors.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Josue goes to Silver River each week for 4 weeks and collects 5 samples of water to test the pH.

• repetition

• replication

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

What is the difference between repetition and replication in scientific experiments?

• Repetition is performing the same experiment by different scientists, while replication is repeating the experiment by the same scientist.

• Repetition is repeating the experiment by the same scientist, while replication is performing the same experiment by different scientists.

• Repetition and replication mean the same thing in science.

• There is no difference; both terms are not used in science.

Answer explanation

Repetition is repeating the experiment by the same scientist, while replication is performing the same experiment by different scientists.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is the BEST reason you always repeat an experiment?

• Make sure your data is consistent and accurate

• Make sure your data supports your prediction

• Make sure your experiment is easy to do

• Make sure your experiment has lots of data

When doing an experiment Mrs. Blackman says you should always take careful notes. You were sick and tired of Mrs. Blackman telling you what to do so you didn't take careful notes. In the end Mrs. Blackman is always right and your experiment was a disaster. What do you think went wrong with your experiment since you didn't take careful notes?

• Mrs. Blackman gave you a bad grade

• You have to take detailed notes so that your experiment can be repeated

• Detailed notes let others know that you did an experiment

• Detailed notes are important so that you can change data

Repetition is when one scientist

• copies another scientist's experiment.

• bumps into another scientists.

• repeats their own experiment several times.

• clones a T. rex.