Scientific Method Review

Data that are qualitative are always-

• described in words
• represented in numbers
• repeated for verification
• the most accurate type of data

What is NOT an example of qualitative data?

• the average high daily temperature for the month of july
• the names of chemicals found in breakfast cereal
• the zip codes in which each high school student resides
• types of shoes worn by pedestrians on a city street 

A hypothesis is-

• a possible explanation of an observation that can be tested
• a proven statement
• a conclusive statement
• a definite answer to a possible problem

The purpose of a controlled experiment is to allow a scientist to isolate and test-

• a single variable
• several variables
• many data
• a conclusion

How does the control group differ from an experimental group in a scientific experiment?

• the control group does not contain the experimental data, whereas the experimental group does
• the control group does not contain the experimental variable, whereas the experimental group does not
• the control group is not tested or measured
• the control group contains more than one experimental variable

The variable that is measured in the experiment is-

• the dependent variable
• the independent variable
• the control variable
• the hypothetical variable

The main reason that diagrams, tables and graphs of data are used by scientists is to-

• organize data
• verify the conclusion
• test a hypothesis
• create an experiment

Which of the following must be done for the results of an experiment to be considered valid?

• the experiment must be repeated numerous times and the same results are obtained
• the results must be published in a national journal
• the results must be shown in a graph
• the results must be only quantitative

Which statement best represents a hypothesis?

• If environmental conditions change then it will effect plant growth

• two sets of plants are given different amounts of light and water
• place each plant at least 10 cm away from their light source
• will a plant grow better in the light or in the dark?

Two groups of students were timed to compare how fast they could complete a set of math problems. Each group was given the same problems. One group used calculators. The other group did not use calculators.

IV: using or not using calculators

DV: amount of problems solved correctly

CV: same math problems

• The DV is wrong. Here is what it should be: the time it takes to complete the problems

• The IV is wrong. Here is what it should be: boys versus girls

• The CV is wrong. Here is what it should be: same amount of time for all students