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Questions and Answers
A scientific question must be subjective and testable.
A scientific question must be subjective and testable.
False (B)
Scientific questions that are very broad with numerous variables are generally easier to understand and investigate.
Scientific questions that are very broad with numerous variables are generally easier to understand and investigate.
False (B)
The scientific method involves steps such as observations, measurement, experimentation and validation of a hypothesis.
The scientific method involves steps such as observations, measurement, experimentation and validation of a hypothesis.
False (B)
In a scientific experiment, dependent variables are features that are kept constant throughout the experiment.
In a scientific experiment, dependent variables are features that are kept constant throughout the experiment.
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The independent variable is the factor that scientists measure in an experiment to see if it is affected.
The independent variable is the factor that scientists measure in an experiment to see if it is affected.
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Controlled variables are used in experiments as standards to assess the validity of the experiment.
Controlled variables are used in experiments as standards to assess the validity of the experiment.
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Confounding variables are extraneous factors that are deliberately manipulated by the researcher to influence the dependent variable.
Confounding variables are extraneous factors that are deliberately manipulated by the researcher to influence the dependent variable.
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Extraneous variables encompass factors like demand characteristics, experimenter effects, and situational variables, all of which can contribute to the observed effect on the dependent variable.
Extraneous variables encompass factors like demand characteristics, experimenter effects, and situational variables, all of which can contribute to the observed effect on the dependent variable.
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Moderator variables influence the relationship between independent and dependent variables by enhancing or diminishing it.
Moderator variables influence the relationship between independent and dependent variables by enhancing or diminishing it.
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A placebo can be used as a positive control in experimental design.
A placebo can be used as a positive control in experimental design.
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Control variables are different for each participant to account for individual differences.
Control variables are different for each participant to account for individual differences.
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Positive control groups help measure the magnitude of response to a new treatment.
Positive control groups help measure the magnitude of response to a new treatment.
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Negative control groups receive treatments known to produce an effect.
Negative control groups receive treatments known to produce an effect.
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Oswald Avery successfully demonstrated DNA as the transforming principle by controlling for multiple variables.
Oswald Avery successfully demonstrated DNA as the transforming principle by controlling for multiple variables.
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Experiments without control groups can still provide valid and reliable scientific conclusions.
Experiments without control groups can still provide valid and reliable scientific conclusions.
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Study Notes
Scientific Questions and Experiments
- Scientific questions are crucial for inquiry. They fall into three categories: verification, theory, and experimental.
- Good scientific questions are objective and testable. They are specific enough to have a focused analysis, instead of broad possibilities.
- Scientific questions often pinpoint an independent variable and a dependent variable, making them easier to test.
- Data from experiments can be measured or observed.
Key Components of a Scientific Experiment
- A scientific experiment studies the natural world using the scientific method.
- The scientific method involves observations, measurements, experimentation, and revising hypotheses.
- Experiments use variables, which are factors that can change.
- The independent variable is what's changed by the researcher.
- The dependent variable is what's measured as a result.
- Controlled variables remain constant throughout the experiment.
- Controls validate the experiment's integrity.
Variables in Experiments
- Variables are aspects of an experiment that can change.
- Independent variables are manipulated by the experimenter.
- Dependent variables change indirectly as a response to manipulation of the independent variable.
- Confounding variables are unrelated influences on the independent and dependent variables.
- Extraneous variables are factors that can impact the dependent variable, beyond the independent variable. This includes things like demand characteristics, experimenter effects, and situational variables.
- Control variables are kept constant to minimize the influence of potential confounders.
- Moderator variables influence the strength of a relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
Experimental Design and Control Groups
- Experiments are designed protocols to answer questions or validate theories.
- All experiments have at least one control group and one test group.
- The control group provides the baseline comparison.
- The test group receives the treatment being studied.
- Positive control groups receive a treatment with a known effect, helping quantify results.
- Negative control groups receive no treatment, ensuring that observed changes in the test group are due to the treatment and not other factors.
- A placebo is a common example of a negative control.
Example of a Successful Experiment: Griffith and Avery
- Good scientific experiments answer questions, provide objective results, and control for extraneous variables.
- Griffith's experiment identified a transforming principle that changed bacterial traits.
- Avery's experiment precisely identified the transforming principle as DNA, controlling for other factors.
- Avery's experiment provided clear "yes or no" results by only investigating one variable at a time, which was crucial for determining the transforming principle.
- Their experiments advanced the understanding of genetics.
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Description
This quiz explores the key components of scientific questions and experiments, emphasizing the importance of testable variables. Understand the scientific method and how different types of variables interact within an experiment. Perfect for students looking to enhance their scientific inquiry skills!
