Biology - The Scientific Method Quiz

Questions and Answers

In order to be accepted, a scientific theory must be?

Controversial and cause debate

In line with all previous historical ideas

Based on the results of a single experiment

Widely tested and supported by extensive data (correct)

Which procedure would have made the outcome of this study more valid?

Test the supplement on both groups for 5 weeks instead of 10 weeks

Test a third group that receives 150 mg of the supplement

Test only one group with 200 mg of the supplement

Test a third group that does not receive the supplement (correct)

Which sentence is a possible hypothesis that was tested in this experiment?

The pH of the water will affect the heights of the radish plants. (correct)

Will the amount of water alter the heights of the radish plants?

Does the pH of water affect the growth of radish plants?

The temperature of the water will affect the heights of the radish plants.

What was the dependent variable in this experiment?

Heights of the plants Signup and view all the answers

The greatest problem with this procedure is that?

No control group was used Signup and view all the answers

How does the CONTROL GROUP setup in an experiment differ from the other setups?

It does not receive the experimental treatment (Independent Variable). Signup and view all the answers

Which measurement would most likely be taken to determine the effects of different mineral salts upon the experimental groups?

Height of the 40 plants Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence represents a hypothesis?

Environmental conditions affect the pollination of plants. Signup and view all the answers

In a scientific investigation, after the question is defined, the next step is most likely?

Formulating a hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

Diagrams, tables, and graphs are used by scientists mainly to?

Organize data Signup and view all the answers

State two factors that must be kept the same in both the experimental groups and the control group.

The amount of sunlight the fish eggs receive and the size of the container. Signup and view all the answers

State a hypothesis of the experiment.

If fish eggs can hatch in water at different acidic levels, then fish eggs can hatch in acid rain. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the type of data that will be collected.

The data that will be collected is effects of temperature on the size of a daphnia. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the independent variable in this experiment.

The size of the daphnia. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the control group will be treated differently from the experimental group.

The control group will keep the tank at 1 temperature, but the experimental group will use different temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

State the problem to be tested.

How does temperature affect the size of a daphnia? Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scientific Theory

A scientific theory must be widely tested and supported by extensive data to gain acceptance.
It is not valid if based on a single experiment, controversial, or aligned with historical ideas alone.

Validity in Experimental Studies

A more valid study includes a control group that does not receive the supplement, allowing for comparison.

pH and Plant Growth

Experiment tested the effect of water pH on radish plant growth.
Groups were watered with water at different pH levels (3.0 and 7.0) and showed controlled conditions for light, water amount, and soil type.
Hypothesis: The pH of water will affect the heights of the radish plants.

Key Variables in Experiments

Dependent variable in the radish experiment is the heights of the plants.
Control groups are crucial; failure to use one can skew results of the study (e.g., multivitamin side effects).

Control Groups

In an experiment, the control group does not receive the experimental treatment, providing a baseline for comparison.

Measuring Plant Growth

Key measurement for plant growth experiments is the height of the plants, not factors like weight or distance from light.

Hypothesis Formation

Scientific investigations begin with formulating a hypothesis after defining the research question.

Data Organization

Scientists use diagrams, tables, and graphs to organize data efficiently, facilitating analysis and communication.

Experiment Factors

In experiments on fish eggs affected by acid rain, factors such as the amount of sunlight and tank size must remain constant between groups.

Hypothesis Example

A hypothesis example could state that fish eggs can hatch in water with varying acidic levels, including those simulating acid rain.

Daphnia Experiment Design

For studying temperature effects on Daphnia size, the dependent variable is the size of the Daphnia.
The control group maintains a constant temperature, while experimental groups are subjected to varied temperatures.

Problem Statement for Daphnia Testing

The problem to be explored is the effect of temperature on the size of the Daphnia population.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of the scientific method with this quiz that covers essential concepts, including the characteristics of scientific theories and experimental design. Perfect for biology students looking to solidify their understanding of scientific principles.