Scientific Method & Experimental Design Test

Which of the following is the first step in solving a scientific problem?

• Conducting an experiment

• Stating a hypothesis

• Making an observation

• Publishing results

A testable explanation for an observation is called a:

• Theory

• Hypothesis

• Law

• Conclusion

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

In an experiment testing the effect of sunlight on plant growth, the dependent variable would be:

• Amount of sunlight

• Type of soil

• Height of the plants

• Type of plant

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

The factor that a scientist deliberately changes in an experiment is the:

• Dependent variable

• Independent variable

• Control group

• Constant

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Why are controlled variables important in an experiment?

• They keep the experiment interesting

• They prevent bias in the conclusion

• They ensure only the independent variable is being tested

• They reduce sample size

The main difference between a theory and a hypothesis is:

• Theories can never be disproven, while hypotheses can

• Theories are supported by a large body of evidence, hypotheses are initial predictions

• Hypotheses are laws, while theories are guesses

• Theories are proven facts, hypotheses are not

A scientist tests a new fertilizer on tomato plants. Group A receives fertilizer, Group B does not. Group B represents the:

• Experimental group

• Control group

• Treatment group

• Variable group

Why is it important to have a large sample size in an experiment?

• It makes the experiment easier to analyze

• It reduces the effect of random error

• It guarantees correct results

• It eliminates the need for a hypothesis

A student notices that sugar dissolves faster in hot water than cold water. This statement is best described as a(n):

• Hypothesis

• Observation

• Conclusion

• Theory

A scientist conducts an experiment but expects a specific outcome and interprets data to fit that belief. This is an example of:

• Bias

• Correlation

• Peer review

• Placebo effect