2.2 Scientific Investigations Quiz

The students in Mr. Arnold's class were conducting an investigation to answer the following question: How does flavored water affect the growth of a daisy? Which item in the list below represents the independent variable (the thing that is being changed in the investigation)?

• the type of plant
• the amount of water
• the type of water
• the amount of sunshine

In the investigation pictured, one plant is receiving fertilizer while the second plant is not. The independent variable is the fertilizer. What is the dependent variable? (variable that changes because of the independent variable).

• plant growth
• color of light
• amount of water
• type of plant

In the investigation pictured , all of the answers represent a control variable (things that don't change in the investigation) EXCEPT . . .

• size of container
• amount of water
• amount of fertilizer
• type of plant

Which of the following statements is true about conducting a fair test?

• You should only change one factor while keeping all of the other factors the same.
• You should only conduct the test once to make sure your results are accurate.
• You should only have one control variable.
• You should have more than one independent variable.

What is an educated guess called?

• a conversation
• an observation
• an analysis
• a hypothesis

In a scientific investigation, which of the following is considered a dependent variable?

• The amount of sunlight

• The growth rate of a plant

• The type of soil used

• The type of fertilizer

Which of the following best describes a hypothesis?

• A detailed analysis of data

• An educated guess based on observations

• A summary of the experiment

• A random guess

Which of the following is an example of a control variable in an experiment?

• The temperature of the room

• The type of plant used

• The amount of water given

• The growth rate of the plant

What is the primary purpose of a control group in a scientific experiment?

• To change the outcome of the experiment

• To serve as a standard for comparison

• To introduce new variables

• To ensure the experiment is biased

In a scientific experiment, what is the role of the independent variable?

• It is the variable that is measured

• It is the variable that is kept constant

• It is the variable that is changed or controlled

• It is the variable that is used for comparison