Scientific Method - Procedure Quiz

Which of the following best describes a "procedure" in the scientific method?

• A step-by-step set of directions for testing the hypothesis.

• A list of materials needed for the experiment.

• A record of the results observed in an experiment.

• A graph used to analyze data.

Answer explanation

A procedure in the scientific method is a detailed, step-by-step set of directions for testing the hypothesis, ensuring that the experiment can be replicated and results verified.

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

• To remain unchanged and serve as a comparison.

• To test the hypothesis directly.

• To measure the results in metric units.

• To organize data in a graph.

Answer explanation

The main purpose of the control group is to remain unchanged and serve as a comparison to the experimental group, allowing researchers to isolate the effects of the variable being tested.

Which variable is changed and tested in an experiment?

• Independent variable

• Dependent variable

• Control group

• Constant

Answer explanation

The independent variable is the one that is changed and tested in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable. It is crucial for determining cause-and-effect relationships.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What are materials in a scientific experiment?

• A list of items needed to conduct the experiment.

• A record of the results observed.

• A step-by-step set of directions.

• A group that remains unchanged.

Answer explanation

Materials in a scientific experiment refer to the list of items needed to conduct the experiment. This is essential for ensuring that all necessary components are available for accurate experimentation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

How is data usually organized to make it easy to read and analyze?

• In a graph

• In a list of materials

• In a hypothesis

• In a control group

Answer explanation

Data is usually organized in a graph because it visually represents relationships and trends, making it easier to read and analyze compared to other formats like lists or hypotheses.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

Which of the following is measured and recorded in metric units during an experiment?

• Changes in the dependent variable

• The hypothesis

• The control group

• The procedure

Answer explanation

Changes in the dependent variable are measured and recorded in metric units during an experiment, as they provide quantitative data to analyze the effects of the independent variable.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What is the role of the experimental group in an experiment?

• It includes the part or parts of the experiment that are changed and tested.

• It remains unchanged for comparison.

• It organizes data in a graph.

• It lists the materials needed.

Answer explanation

The experimental group is crucial as it includes the part of the experiment that is altered and tested to observe effects, allowing researchers to draw conclusions based on the changes made.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

Which of the following is a record of the results observed in an experiment?

• Data

• Materials

• Procedure

• Variable

Answer explanation

Data is the correct choice as it refers to the recorded results observed during an experiment, while materials, procedure, and variable describe other aspects of the experimental process.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

A good experiment has only how many independent variables?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

Answer explanation

A good experiment typically has only one independent variable to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable can be directly attributed to that single factor, allowing for clear and valid conclusions.

What are constants in an experiment?

• Conditions a scientist wants to remain the same during the experiment

• The items needed to conduct an experiment

• The results observed in an experiment

• The group that is changed and tested

Answer explanation

Constants in an experiment are the conditions that a scientist keeps the same to ensure that the results are valid. This allows for a fair test by isolating the effect of the variable being changed.