Fundamentals of Experimental Design for Beginners

What is the main goal of conducting experimental investigations?

• To observe natural phenomena

• To determine cause and effect relationships

• To create new scientific theories

• To collect random data

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In an experimental investigation, what is a 'trial'?

• A single run of the test

• A variable being measured

• A conclusion drawn from the data

• A hypothesis being tested

What is the independent variable in an experiment?

• The variable that is measured

• The variable that is changed by the scientist

• The variable that is observed

• The variable that is kept constant

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In the example with the ramp and car, what was the dependent variable?

• The height of the ramp

• The number of books

• The type of car used

• The distance the car rolls

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Why is it important to keep constants in an experiment?

• To ensure the experiment is fair and results are valid

• To make the experiment more complex

• To measure different outcomes

• To change multiple variables at once

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What should you look at to determine the question an experiment is designed to answer?

• The number of trials conducted

• The variables changed and measured

• The hypothesis and conclusion

• The materials used

If an experiment changes the height of a ramp and measures the distance a car rolls, what question is it answering?

• How does the height of the ramp affect the distance the car rolls?

• How does the surface of the ramp affect the car's speed?

• How does the weight of the car affect its speed?

• How does the type of car affect its motion?

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What is the purpose of analyzing what a measurement or observation means in an experiment?

• To change the variables

• To increase the number of trials

• To understand the underlying concept being tested

• To determine the materials used

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What is a common mistake that needs to be corrected to improve an experiment?

• Conducting multiple trials

• Measuring the same variable

• Using the same materials

• Changing more than one variable

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To improve an experiment designed to test how the mass of a ball affects the size of a crater, what should be done?

• Use different types of balls

• Drop balls with different masses onto the same material

• Change the height from which the ball is dropped

• Change the material the ball is dropped into

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